Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology

by Seidman, Lisa A.; Moore, Cynthia J.

• ISBN13: 9780137955350
• ISBN10: 0137955359
• Format: Spiral Bound
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings

Summary

A primary text for courses that focus on basic laboratory methods in biotechnology, and an ancillary text for any biology course that includes a laboratory component that want to focus on biotechnology.Unique in both content and approach, this text/reference provides a systematic introduction to basic laboratory methods from the perspective of the everyday work in the labs of the biotechnology/bioscience industry. Written at a level that is accessible to beginning college students with average math and science backgrounds. Provides the depth and detail useful to professional laboratory workers. It blends the background and theory provided by introductory chemistry texts with the practical concerns discussed in advanced lab manuals. It focuses on basic laboratory methods, the principles that underlie those methods, and the equipment that makes laboratory work possible.

Author Biography

Cynthia Moore is currently a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

Table of Contents

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO THE BIOTECHNOLOGY WORKPLACE	1	(44)
Biotechnology and the Workplace	7	(12)
Introduction to a Safe Workplace	19	(14)
Biotechnology and the Regulation of Medical and Food Products	33	(12)
UNIT II: PRODUCT QUALITY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY	45	(52)
Introduction to Product Quality Systems	51	(8)
Documentation: The Foundation of Quality	59	(16)
Quality Systems in the Laboratory	75	(10)
Quality Systems in the Production Facility	85	(12)
UNIT III: MATH IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY: AN OVERVIEW	97	(82)
Basic Math Techniques	103	(16)
Proportional Relationships	119	(32)
Relationships and Graphing	151	(28)
UNIT IV: DATA IN THE LABORATORY	179	(48)
Descriptions of Data	183	(28)
The Collection of Meaningful Data; Avoiding Errors in the Laboratory	211	(16)
UNIT V: LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS	227	(214)
Introduction to Quality Laboratory Measurements, Tests, and Assays	229	(28)
Introduction to Instrumental Methods and Electricity	257	(24)
The Measurement of Weight	281	(20)
The Measurement of Volume	301	(24)
The Measurement of Temperature	325	(16)
The Measurement of pH, Selected Ions, and Conductivity	341	(30)
Measurements Involving Light A: Basic Principles and Instrumentation	371	(30)
Measurements Involving Light B: Applications and Methods	401	(40)
UNIT VI: LABORATORY SOLUTIONS	441	(94)
Preparation of Laboratory Solutions A: Concentration Expressions and Calculations	449	(16)
Preparation of Laboratory Solutions B: Basic Procedures and Practical Information	465	(18)
Laboratory Solutions to Support the Activity of Biological Macromolecules and Intact Cells	483	(26)
Solutions: Associated Procedures and Information	509	(26)
UNIT VII: BASIC SEPARATION METHODS	535	(58)
Introduction to Filtration	537	(10)
Introduction to Centrifugation	547	(26)
Introduction to Bioseparations	573	(20)
UNIT VIII: SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY	593	(70)
Working Safely in the Laboratory: General Considerations and Physical Hazards	595	(18)
Working Safely with Chemicals	613	(26)
Working Safely with Biological Materials	639	(24)
UNIT IX: COMPUTERS IN THE LABORATORY	663	(64)
Computers: An Overview	673	(22)
Data Handling with Computers	695	(20)
Telecommunications and the Internet	715	(12)
Index	727

Excerpts

Preface This is an exciting time to work in biotechnology. The Human Genome Project is generating fundamental genetic information at a breathtaking rate; basic research findings are being applied in medicine, agriculture, and the environment; and a variety of new biotechnology products are moving into production. Behind each of these accomplishments are teams of scientists and technicians whose everyday work makes such achievements possible.For the past twelve years, we have been working with students who are beginning their careers as technicians and bench scientists in biotechnology laboratories. In order to best assist our students, we, and our colleagues elsewhere in the United States, have explored what entry level biotechnologists do at work and what abilities they need to perform this work. We have been impressed with the complexity and diversity of technical roles and responsibilities, and the importance of the skills that bench workers bring to their jobs. This book emerges partly from our experiences working with students and our explorations into the nature of the laboratory workplace*.This book also results from our personal experiences in the laboratory. As graduate students we struggled to master the "laboratory lore" that was passed among "post-docs" and graduate students in a not always coherent chain. Some of what is in this book is the systematic introduction to laboratory lore that we wish we had received.The result of our efforts is not a laboratory manual; this text contains few step-by-step procedures. Nor is it a book about molecular genetics, immunology, or cell culture--there are already many excellent specialized texts and manuals on these topics. This book rather is a textbook/reference manual on basic laboratory methods and the principles that underlie those methods. These basics are important to every biotechnologist, regardless of whether one is cloning DNA or purifying proteins, whether one is working in an academic setting or is employed in a company.We intend this book to assist students preparing to become biotechnology laboratory professionals, those who already work in the laboratory, and biology students who are learning to operate effectively in the laboratory. Others who may also find this book helpful include high school teachers and their advanced students, and industry trainers. We have endeavored to make this text accessible to beginning college students with a limited science and math background. Some sections, such as the math review in Unit III, could be skipped or skimmed by more experienced readers. At the same time as we tried to make this book practical and accessible, we also endeavored to provide enough background theory so that readers will understand the methods they use and will be prepared to solve the unavoidable problems that arise in any laboratory.Although we focus on the biotechnology laboratory, the majority of topics we cover are of importance to individuals working in any biology laboratory. A few topics, such as quality regulations and standards, are included because they are important for those working in biotechnology companies. As biotechnology companies mature, their focus shifts from research into commercial production. As this maturation occurs, scientists and technicians often find that they must add terms like "GMP", "ISO 9000", and "quality systems" to their technical vocabulary. This book therefore weaves a conversation about regulations and standards into many chapters.We are aware that the basic methods in this book (such as how to mix a solution or weigh a sample) are less glamorous than learning how to manipulate DNA, or how to clone a sheep. However, we also know that, in practice, the most sophisticated and remarkable accomplishments of biotechnology are possible only when the most basic laboratory work is done properly.*The results of some of these discussions about the biotechnology w