Techniques for the Study of Gene Function

A gene is defined as the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are essential in determining the personality and nature of a human being. They lay the foundation for the building blocks of all living beings. Genes are located on chromosomes found in the nucleus of every cell in the body. Each of the genes tends to have a very specific position on the chromosomes. This is because the genes essentially provide the instructions for making proteins which then determines the structure and function of each cell in the body.

Functions of genes

Control the functions of DNA and RNA
Help in the formation of proteins, which are very important building blocks of life
Take care of the production of enzymes
Play a crucial role in conducting different chemical processes and reactions in the body
Consist of a particular set of functions and instructions

Methods to study the function of genes

The top two methods to study the function of genes are: (1) Transcriptomics and (2) Gene Knockout.

Transcriptomics

Study of the gene expression in the genome is called transcriptomics. We can study the expression of individual group of genes or all genes in the genome gene. Expression of the genes can be studied by a technique called Northern Blotting. In Northern blotting, the target is the total RNA (m-RNA, t-RNA, r-RNA), or only the m-RNA. In this method, the RNA is isolated and separated in an agarose gel.

Gene Knockout

A process of suppressing gene function by gene manipulation is called gene knockout. Under normal condition a particular gene is doing its function by the production of RNA from transcription and, finally the protein by translation. By inactivating the gene (gene knockout), we are able to switch-off the gene and the phenotype of the organism can be studied in the absence of the product made from that particular gene.

STEMart provides you with a variety of techniques for the study of gene function equipment or consumables to meet your various R&D and application needs. If you have any questions or requirements for techniques for the study of gene function, please feel free to contact us.

Techniques for the Study of Gene Function

Functions of genes

Methods to study the function of genes

Transcriptomics

Gene Knockout

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