Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory

Frank H. Stephenson

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2010
• eBook ISBN: 9780123756916
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Biotechnology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the myriad of laboratory calculations used in molecular biology and biotechnology. The book begins by discussing the use of scientific notation and metric prefixes, which require the use of exponents and an understanding of significant digits. It explains the mathematics involved in making solutions; the characteristics of cell growth; the multiplicity of infection; and the quantification of nucleic acids. It includes chapters that deal with the mathematics involved in the use of radioisotopes in nucleic acid research; the synthesis of oligonucleotides; the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; and the development of recombinant DNA technology. Protein quantification and the assessment of protein activity are also discussed, along with the centrifugation method and applications of PCR in forensics and paternity testing. - Topics range from basic scientific notations to complex subjects like nucleic acid chemistry and recombinant DNA technology - Each chapter includes a brief explanation of the concept and covers necessary definitions, theory and rationale for each type of calculation - Recent applications of the procedures and computations in clinical, academic, industrial and basic research laboratories are cited throughout the text New to this Edition: - Updated and increased coverage of real time PCR and the mathematics used to measure gene expression - More sample problems in every chapter for readers to practice concepts

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Dedication
• Copyright
• Chapter 1. Scientific notation and metric prefixes
• Chapter 2. Solutions, mixtures, and media
• Chapter 3. Cell growth
• Chapter 4. Working with bacteriophages
• Chapter 5. Nucleic acid quantification
• Chapter 6. Labeling nucleic acids with radioisotopes
• Chapter 7. Oligonucleotide synthesis
• Chapter 8. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Chapter 9. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
• Chapter 10. Recombinant DNA
• Chapter 11. Protein
• Chapter 12. Centrifugation
• Chapter 13. Forensics and paternity
• More Problems
• Answers to practice problems
• Appendix A. Using Microsoft Excel’s graphing utility
• Index