Developmental Biology Techniques

Developmental biologists use various techniques to study the growth of an organism from the stage of embryonic development to development of complete organism. Some of developmental biology techniques include:

Molecular Genetic Techniques

The technique is used to understand the genetic basis of biological processes by analyzing and manipulating the small segment of DNA. This includes CRISPR/Cas9, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA cloning, DNA isolation, RNAi, and electroporation. It is used to identify genetic markers and uses combination of techniques to isolate and analyze the DNA or RNA transcribed from a particular gene

Also Read: Molecular Diagnosis

Cell Biological Approaches

Cell biological approaches uses various techniques like fluorescence, chromatography, to study the structure, function, and behavior of cells. Other techniques include Immunoassays, and Hybridization and blotting techniques. This method help us to understand functioning of cell, signaling pathways, and various pathological and physiological malfunctions.

DNA Analysis – Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis technique are used to detect and analyze DNA as the solution of DNA is colorless. It turns viscous only at high concentrations, and become visually indistinguishable from water.

Microarray Analysis

Microarray analysis is a technique that scientists use to determine whether genes are on or off. It is also known as chromosomal microarray, whole genome microarray. It provides detail about the chromosome of a person. The technique are used to interpret data from experiments on DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays. 

Also Read: Difference Between DNA and RNA

Tissue Culture

Tissue culture method is used to grow cells or tissues in an artificial medium. It’s also known as micropropagation. The method is used to study the behaviour of the cell, its growth and development. It also studies the disease mechanisms, and conduct experiments in a controlled environment.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method used in laboratory to makes multiple copies of a small DNA segment. It enables the detailed study of a small DNA segment. The PCR process has four steps: Collection, Preparation, Amplification, and Post PCR clean-up. The technique is used in DNA cloning, DNA isolation, to detect the genetic disorders and diagnosis of pathogens in nucleic acid tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Also Read: PCR Full Form

Development Biology is a branch of biology that studies the process by which an organism grows and develops from a single cell to a complex multicellular structure. This field studies various biological processes, including cell division, cell differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, organ formation, embryogenesis, inheritance, cell signaling pathway, apoptosis, and the overall development of organisms.

In this article, we will study what is developmental biology, Important topics in Developmental biology, The role of a developmental biologist, Different developmental biology techniques, and careers in developmental biology. You can find developmental biology notes here.