Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

22. Techniques in Cell Biology

DNA libraries

Cell Biology

22. Techniques in Cell Biology

DNA libraries

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following libraries consists of DNA that represents the mRNA in the cell?

Genomic library

cDNA library

RNA library

Protein library

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of a cDNA library: A cDNA library is a collection of complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences that are synthesized from the mRNA present in a cell. This library represents the genes that are actively expressed in the cell at the time of mRNA extraction.

Recognize the process of creating a cDNA library: mRNA is isolated from the cell, and then reverse transcriptase is used to synthesize cDNA from this mRNA. This process involves converting the single-stranded mRNA into double-stranded cDNA.

Differentiate between a genomic library and a cDNA library: A genomic library contains DNA fragments that represent the entire genome of an organism, including both coding (exons) and non-coding (introns) regions. In contrast, a cDNA library only includes sequences that are transcribed into mRNA, thus representing only the expressed genes.

Consider the role of reverse transcription: The enzyme reverse transcriptase is crucial in the creation of a cDNA library as it catalyzes the formation of cDNA from an mRNA template, allowing the mRNA sequences to be stored as stable DNA.

Evaluate the applications of a cDNA library: cDNA libraries are used in gene expression studies, cloning of eukaryotic genes in prokaryotes, and functional analysis of genes. They are particularly useful for identifying and studying genes that are actively expressed in specific tissues or under certain conditions.