Monday 10 February 2014

Quality Protein Labeling Is Almost Priceless

By Eula Nichols


The world of micro biology has come a long way from its early days. Scientists trying to create new and better ways of curing and enriching life has led them to an area of science that benefits everyone. Through the study of cells and tissues, they can view the molecules that make up the proteins of DNA strands. In order to sort through millions of molecules in side these strands a system of tracking the links between them had to be developed. Protein labeling was a major breakthrough for these scientists on the journey into the unknown.

A proper strategy is required to target a specific structure and would need to be tailored for each application. These strategies will help insure that the binding is not to strong or weak for the application it is intended for. Strong bindings could be problematic as reversing the marking could not work. On the other hand a weak binding could cause the molecule structure to collapse and adversely affect the outcome of the experiment.

If scientists could determine the interactions between cancer and healthy cells they could find a way to destroy the cancer without damaging the healthy cells around it. This would be a major victory in the war against cancer. Continuous study will eventually eradicate cancer form the human race. Without the tagging of links between molecules it would take a very long time to accomplish this.

Other types of binders are in the form of fluorophores. These help illuminate the molecule structure and can assist in determining were other molecules can be added to form new molecules. Various fluorescent chemicals can be added to the molecules. Some of these when exposed to light can cause them to vibrate. This allows the scientist to test the strength or the bonds of a new substance.

Structures of the protein light up from these fluorescence. This gives a detailed map of the structure of the protein and scientists can determine were and if a damaged link between them exist. Mapping of these structures can help with other diseases as well. DNA strands tend to break down over time and can leave some people with disabling issues.

The advantage of using this system of marking is that it allows for a broader spectrum of light to be used. From the unseen UV to the more dangerous X-rays, the entire reaction can be checked, even beyond what can physically being seen. Mapping these proteins can aid the scientists in the research for cures such as cancer and AIDS.

The markers are not only used in the biological sense but in the industrial arena to. Scientists will be able to one day create an oil eating bacteria that can assist with the cleanup of oil spills in the ocean. By manipulating molecular structures in plastics and metals new raw materials can be created. One of these is a strand of carbon fiber that is thinner than a human hair and stronger than steel.

Some forms can assist in the pulverization of tissue samples. This is achieved by allowing the label to take the place of the structures legs, this allows scientist to break apart the structure to its basic parts. This allows high levels of proteins to be extracted from a small sample. Protein labeling has been the best method in tagging molecule structures and will be improved as new and exciting ways to link and disassemble protein structures is discovered.




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