Standard protein expression systems, including E. coli, frequently fail to generate folded, monodisperse, or functional eukaryotic proteins (see Small-scale Expression of Proteins in E. coli). Utilizing a eukaryotic system, such as mammalian cells, that includes the required folding and posttranslational machinery is highly advantageous for the expression of these proteins. Using polyethylenimine, we present strategies … Read more
Lentiviral transfection is a method for introducing genetic material into cells. It involves the use of lentiviruses, a type of retrovirus, to deliver the desired DNA into the target cells. Lentiviral transfection has a unique advantage over other transfection methods, in that it can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, making it useful for a … Read more
Reverse transfection is a technique used in molecular biology to introduce a sample of RNA, DNA or protein into cells in culture. Instead of adding the reagents to the cells and allowing them to take them up (forward transfection), reverse transfection involves incubating the cells on a surface that is coated with the reagents. The … Read more
Learn all about the apoptosis pathway: its definition, functions, mechanism, and examples in this comprehensive guide. Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a crucial process for maintaining healthy cell turnover and eliminating damaged or abnormal cells. Understanding the various components and steps involved in the apoptosis pathway can provide valuable insights into diseases … Read more
Learn what plasmids are, how they are structured and replicated, their major types and functions, and how plasmids are used in genetics and biotechnology.
Learn the major plasma membrane models, from Overton and Gorter-Grendel to the Davson-Danielli, Robertson and Singer-Nicolson fluid mosaic models, with diagrams and comparison.
Learn what peripheral proteins are, how they attach to cell membranes, their major functions and examples, and how they differ from integral proteins.
Learn what a channel protein is, how its selective pore enables membrane transport, major channel types, their functions, and how channels differ from carriers.
Learn how the cytoskeleton is built from actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules and how it controls cell shape, transport, movement, and division.
Learn what microtubules are, how α- and β-tubulin form their structure, why they grow and shrink, and how they support transport, mitosis, cilia, and cell organization.
