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Temporary Electric Field
A temporary electric field is an electric field that is applied for a brief period and then removed. In the context of cellular biology and biotechnology, temporary electric fields are used in techniques such as electroporation, which is a method for introducing foreign molecules into cells. In electroporation, a temporary electric field is applied to…
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Ion Cross-Membrane
The movement of ions across the plasma membrane is essential for various cellular processes, including maintaining the proper balance of ions inside and outside the cell, generating electrical signals, and regulating cellular activities. There are two primary mechanisms through which ions can cross the plasma membrane: Both passive and active transport mechanisms are crucial for…
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Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is a thin, flexible, selectively permeable barrier that surrounds and encloses the contents of a cell. It is composed of a lipid bilayer, which consists primarily of phospholipids, along with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and glycolipids. The plasma membrane serves several critical functions, including: Embedded proteins within…
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Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance found within cells that occupies the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus. It is composed of water, salts, ions, proteins, and various other organic molecules. The cytoplasm serves as the medium in which cellular organelles are suspended and where numerous biochemical reactions and cellular processes occur. The…
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Electroporation MOA
Electroporation is a technique that uses an electric field to temporarily increase the permeability of cell membranes, allowing the introduction of foreign molecules into the cell. The mechanism of action (MOA) for electroporation can be summarized in the following steps: Electroporation is widely used in biological research and has potential applications in gene therapy, drug…
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Nonviral Gene Therapy
Nonviral gene therapy refers to the use of nonviral methods to deliver genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into a patient’s cells to treat or prevent diseases. These methods can offer several advantages over viral-based gene therapy, including reduced immunogenicity, a lower risk of insertional mutagenesis, and the ability to carry larger therapeutic genes.…
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Reversible Permeability Occurs
Reversible permeability, often associated with electroporation, occurs when the cell membrane temporarily becomes permeable due to the application of an external stimulus, such as an electric field. In electroporation, an electric pulse is applied to cells or tissues, causing the formation of transient pores in the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. This increased permeability…
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Electroporation Pulse
An electroporation pulse is a brief electrical pulse applied to a cell suspension or tissue to facilitate the introduction of foreign molecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, into the cells. The electric field generated by the pulse creates temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the molecules to enter the cell. This process is…
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Cell Cytotoxicity
Cell cytotoxicity refers to the toxic effects of a substance, treatment, or environmental condition on cells, leading to cell damage or death. In biological research and drug development, assessing cytotoxicity is crucial for determining the safety, efficacy, and potential side effects of various compounds, drugs, or therapies. Cytotoxicity can result from various mechanisms, including: To…
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Cell Electropermeability
Cell electropermeabilization, also known as electroporation, is a technique that uses an electric field to increase the permeability of cell membranes temporarily. The applied electric field causes the formation of transient pores in the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, allowing the passage of otherwise impermeable molecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, into the…