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Q1 Our understanding of cell structure and function is derived from technological innovation. Using appropriate examples, discuss this statement.
A very broad question although the answer could include:
- Applications of light microscopy and simple organelles
- Developments in microscopy to identify the localisation of
discrete ultrastructural features:
- Fluorescence
- Confocal
- Electron
- Cytogenetic techniques and their application.
- Molecular methods and proteomics to investigate normal verses abnormal proteins.
- Human genome project.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, the nucleosome and how the activation and silencing of genes can be measured.
Q2. Compare and contrast the different forms of microscopy and provide appropriate clinically-based examples for each.
Answer could include:
- Consideration of underpinning technical principles.
- Technique sensitivity.
- User skill, relative costs and turnaround times.
- Fluorescence microscopy, autoimmune disease and cytogenetics.
- Light microscopy and histology practice: tissue sections – cancer/inflammation/pathology.
- Light microscopy in haematology: blood film analysis, bone marrow aspirates.
- Electron microscopy in renal disease, muscle disease and infertility.
Q3. Investigating cells often requires considerable sample preparation. Choose three methods outlined in this chapter, investigate and write notes on the different processing requirements of each technique.
This is a very broad question and, depending upon the methods selected, the answer may include:
- The type of tissues and cells obtained.
- Fixed verses live cells and rationale.
- Cell culture and cell cycle arrest prior to analysis.
- Separation of ultrastructural components.
- Any requirements for isolation or dissection of tissues.
- The use of preservation media and any specific treatments required to allow further processing or examination.
- Staining, counterstaining and blocking.