Written by Microbes have been a great challenge to mankind, since the beginning of life on this planet. They are the reasons for morbid diseases and high mortality rates. In today's world, new viruses and bacteria keep emerging and even the old ones gradually become resistant to antibiotics and ultimately evolve into major problems. In such a scenario, it is important to have knowledge of these microorganisms, in order to understand their mechanisms of attack and counter the same. Microbiological testing plays a vital role here, a major part of which is based on Oligos.
What is Microbiological testing?
Microbiology refers to a branch of science that deals with identification of microbes in humans. It involves a sequence of testing processes in the laboratory using microscopes and gene cultures. It is an applied science that helps to understand the working of a cell. Microbiological testing is an integral part of medical science and the healthcare field and aids in detecting and diagnosing diseases. Blood samples, body fluids and tissue cultures are tested to determine the presence of an infection and its characteristics.
The branches of microbiology include bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, phycology, parasitology, immunology, virology and nematology. They involve culture techniques, fixation, staining and identification, which require an understanding of the structure and functioning of the molecular components constituting those microorganisms, which is dealt with under Molecular Biology.
Molecular Biology Lab Services
Molecular Biology lab tests aim at understanding the sample at an atomic or cellular level, to identify the variant of concern. It involves two major techniques, PCR synthesis and Real Time PCR and offers services like Biochemistry, Haematology, Serology, Cytology, etc. Polymerase
Chain Reaction is based on a fundamental process, the amplification of the genetic material of the suspected causative agent by using oligos to find the complementary strand.
Role of Oligos in Microbiology testing
Oligos refer to oligonucleotides that are short and synthetic, single stranded DNA or RNA. They are the initiators of a wide range of molecular biology applications, including forensic testing and genome sequencing. Oligos are made up of deoxyribonucleotides and are used as primers in PCR to match the target DNA sequence and amplify it, which can be then identified. Synthetic Oligos are short chains of nucleic acids, A, T, C and G, used as therapeutics, to control gene expression or to detect pathogens or tumors, from a sample in order to ensure proper treatment.
