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Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · PCR and Laboratory Methods

Western blot

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

nounCommon term

In genetics & biotechnology, western blot means: A method for detecting a specific protein in a sample: proteins are separated by size on a gel, moved onto a membrane and then detected with antibodies.

In Turkish: western blot, western blot analizi

How it is used

Used in cell biology and to confirm knockouts or protein expression. People 'run a western', 'probe with an antibody' and 'strip and reprobe' a membrane. A loading control such as actin or GAPDH shows that equal amounts were loaded. It is often written 'Western blot', with a capital W.

Example sentences

  1. The western blot shows no protein in the knockout cells.

  2. Please run a western blot with an actin loading control.

Common collocations

  • run a western blot
  • western blot analysis
  • loading control
  • primary antibody
  • band intensity
  • gel electrophoresisA method that separates DNA, RNA or protein fragments by size by pulling them through a gel with an electric current; smaller fragments move faster.
  • knockoutA cell or organism in which a specific gene has been made inactive on purpose, so that researchers can study what happens without it.
  • monoclonal antibodyAn antibody made by identical immune cells, all clones of one parent cell, so that it binds to exactly one target. Many modern drugs and lab reagents are monoclonal antibodies.
  • negative controlA sample or reaction in an experiment that is expected to give no result, used to show that a positive signal is not caused by contamination or error.

More terms: PCR and Laboratory Methods

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