Molecular biology is a branch of biology that helps us study the molecular basis of biological activity. It explains the biological phenomena in molecular terms. We can find various disciplines of knowledge integrated into it, including basic sciences, biology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, and mathematics. Researchers use countless methods and techniques in the molecular biology laboratory using various molecular bioproducts based on nucleic acids. These experiments are diagnostic and risk estimation by focusing on both genetic and non-genetic pathologies. Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins are the two most crucial macromolecules and are more relevant to the functioning of living beings. And the study of these two is the focal point of molecular biology.
This blog contains some informative content, letting you know the basic instructions for experimenting in the molecular biology laboratory.
Basic Instructions For The Molecular Biology Laboratory
Here are 3 basic instructions for carrying out experiments in the molecular biology laboratory setting:
1.   Biological Agents
We can define a biological agent as a material and its derivatives. These include modified material by genetic mechanisms, cell cultures, and human endoparasites. These are highly susceptible to cause toxicity, allergy, and any type of infection.
We can classify biological agents in accordance with their hazardosness. By keeping in mind this classification, researchers must take all the necessary protective measures for lab activities with exposure to dangerous biological agents. Look at the following four hazard levels:
- 1st Classification: The biological agents in this group are unlikely to cause disease in man.
- 2nd Classification: These biological agents can generally cause disease in all humans, regardless of gender. However, the chances of spreading to the community are quite low because of the most effective prophylaxis and other treatments.
- 3rd Classification: The biological agents in this group can cause disease generally in humans. Although diseases are likely to spread to the community, we can find effective prophylaxis and treatment.
- 4th Classification: The biological agents in this group lead to serious illness while putting the person in serious danger. It is more likely to spread, and there is no prophylaxis or effective treatment.
2.   Basic Material
Remember that a substantial technical and economic investment is not required for a molecular biology laboratory. So, you do not have to invest too much in basic instrumentation and equipment. This is because the essential molecular products do not differ from a standard lab setting requirement.
Your lab setting requires a refrigerator and freezer to store samples and reagents. The refrigerator is quite similar to those for domestic use. However, the researchers need to ensure temperature control. The temperature must be constant enough so that possible failures can be detected. This strategy will help the researcher prevent the sample and the reagents from being damaged.
Automatic pipettes and disposable tips, like Filter Tips Biomek i5, are used to handle samples. These molecular bioproducts help the researcher avoid any contamination between samples. The researcher needs to work inside laminar flow hoods (ventilation devices) if the protocol or the sample requires it. This strategy creates an aseptic workspace that protects the personnel and materials used in the setting.
The researcher needs some small lab equipment to complete the work. These equipments include filter tips, microcentrifuges, thermostatic baths, centrifuges, and electrophoresis systems, among others.
If the researcher works with DNA, they must know the DNA quality and concentration using spectrophotometers or fluorometers.
3.   Thermocyclers
Thermocycler is one of the essential instruments used to amplify DNA and RNA samples by the PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The thermocycler is used in the setting to increase and lower the temperature of the sample. Thermocycler assures that the researcher obtains reliable and stable results. And this is an excellent and powerful function of this device.
Final Words
We hope this blog will help you know the basic instructions for carrying out experiments in the molecular biology laboratory. We have discussed biological agents, basic material, and thermocyclers, fundamental things for a lab setting. If you need high-quality molecular bioproducts, whether filter tips Biomek i5, centrifuge tubes, cell culture flasks, or others, always rely on a reliable online store. MBP INC is the more reliable option for getting the best molecular bioproducts. Contact us today!
