Methods in Molecular Biology

Abstract

This chapter highlights the basic principles behind various molecular biology protocols, which should allow multidisciplinary imaging specialists to better understand the techniques. There is a vast diversity of methods in molecular biology. These range from the simple techniques used for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid extraction, to the more complex methods utilized for the production of transgenic animals. The development of recombinant DNA and gene cloning technologies has allowed for the isolation, the replication and the study of chromosomes by different techniques, such as nucleic acid sequencing, electron microscopy, and other analytical techniques. A cloning vector has three essential components: an origin of replication; a dominant selectable marker gene, usually conferring drug resistance to the host cell; and at least one unique restriction endonuclease cleavage site, which is present only once in the vector. One of the most powerful tools for molecular biologists, in conjunction with polymerase chain reaction, was the discovery of these restriction enzymes.