RNA is already notoriously difficult to work with due to its instability, but RNA from “difficult samples” such as fixed tissue, blood, or single cells is even more fraught with hazards for the intrepid researcher who dares to pick up the gauntlet. “The biggest challenge...
Within each human genome is a record of that individual's genetic past, and a glimpse into their future. Yet it is only a glimpse. A few high-profile disease loci notwithstanding, most human traits are not written solely in triplets of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts; other factors have a say as well. One of those factors...
What distinguishes a liver cell from a neuron? Fundamentally, it's all in the DNA. Not the genetic content per se – the two cells are identical on that score – but rather the way that content is implemented. Such is the purview of epigenetics, the study of...
There is a saying in many labs: “Garbage in, garbage out”. Since what goes “in” to so many assays, arrays, and reactions is RNA, you want to be sure that you are using RNA of the highest quality in order to...
So many labs use plasmid DNA – in applications such as PCR, transfection, cloning, and sequencing – that it’s no wonder there are many good purification kits available to speed...
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism, and its study is becoming increasingly popular in biological research. Methylation status is thought to play a role in aging, embryonic development, oncogenesis, and disease in general.
Zymo Research’s DNA Clean & Concentrator-25™ product is a hassle-free method for the rapid purification and concentration of up to 25 μg of high quality DNA from PCR, endonuclease digestions, or DNA from cell lysates. Simply add...
The intriguing field of epigenetics studies heritable changes in phenotype that are not a result of a change in genotype, or DNA sequence. Instead, other factors (“epi” means “in addition to”) such as environmental influences may change the expression of particular genes, altering processes as diverse as development, behavior, and disease mechanisms.
We all know that DNA mutations can cause phenotypic changes—but what about genetic regulations that aren’t caused by a sequence change, so-called epigenetic changes? One important type is DNA methylation. A potent regulator of gene expression, it’s the...
While the simplicity of most plasmid miniprep kits on the market today would seem to preclude any substantial improvement in the procedure, Zymo Research has managed to accomplish this with the introduction of their Zyppy™ Plasmid Miniprep Kit. The concentrated...
Research of epigenetic mechanisms has great importance in the area of genetics and molecular biology. One of the most common epigenetic mechanisms is methylation. Naturally occurring methylation has an important role...
XJa and XJb, the two conditionally autolytic E. coli strains marketed by Zymo Research, are JM109 and BL21 derivatives, respectively. These strains allow for gentle and (nearly) complete cell lysis...
Zymo Research has simplified my life with their DNA Clean & Concentrator-5 kit. Recently, I tried this kit for the first time and I was truly amazed at how fast and easy it is to use...