Question

Upon bacteriophage infection, the host cell is directed to synthesize viral protein. A scientist wishing to study the location of this process in the cell might use A. centrifugation. B. autoradiography. C. electrophoresis. D. phase contrast microscopy.

Short answer

B. Autoradiography

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the Objective

The goal is to determine which technique a scientist might use to study the location of viral protein synthesis in the host cell upon bacteriophage infection.

- Review Each Option

Review what each option entails: A. Centrifugation - Separates components based on density using high-speed spinning. B. Autoradiography - Uses radioactive isotopes to visualize the location of molecules within cells. C. Electrophoresis - Separates molecules based on size and charge using an electric field. D. Phase contrast microscopy - Enhances contrast in transparent and colorless samples to visualize them more clearly.

- Analyze the Requirement

The technique needed should help in visualizing the specific location of viral protein synthesis within the host cell.

- Identify the Suitable Technique

Among the options, autoradiography (B) is the technique that uses radioactive isotopes to visualize the location of molecules within cells, making it the appropriate choice for studying the location of viral protein synthesis.

- Conclusion

Conclude that the method for determining the location of viral protein synthesis within a cell is likely to be autoradiography.

Key concepts

Bacteriophage Infection

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. When a bacteriophage attaches to a bacterium, it injects its genetic material into the host cell. This genetic material hijacks the host's cellular machinery, directing it to produce viral components instead of its own.

This process, known as the lytic cycle, includes several stages:

• Attachment: The phage attaches to the bacterial surface.
• Injection: The phage injects its DNA or RNA into the bacterium.
• Synthesis: The host's machinery is directed to create viral proteins and replicate the phage's genetic material.
• Assembly: New viral particles are assembled.
• Release: The host cell bursts, releasing new phages to infect other bacteria.

A thorough understanding of bacteriophage infection is crucial as it can lead to advancements in genetic engineering and understanding bacterial resistance.

Autoradiography

Autoradiography is a powerful technique used to visualize the distribution of radioactive compounds in a biological sample. This method is used in various applications, including:

• Tracking molecules within cells
• Studying metabolic pathways
• Examining protein synthesis

Cells are incubated with a radioactive precursor, which is incorporated into newly synthesized molecules like proteins. The sample is then placed against a photographic film, where the radioactive emissions expose the film, creating an image that shows the location of the radioactive molecules within the cell.

In the context of the initial exercise, autoradiography is the best technique for studying where viral proteins are synthesized in an infected cell, as it allows visualization of the precise location of these proteins.

Viral Protein Synthesis

Upon infection by a bacteriophage, the host bacterium's cellular machinery is repurposed to synthesize viral proteins. This process involves several steps:

• Transcription: Viral DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA).
• Translation: The mRNA is then translated into viral proteins by the host's ribosomes.
• Post-translational Modifications: These viral proteins may undergo further modifications to become fully functional.

Understanding viral protein synthesis is crucial for developing antiviral therapies and for research into how viruses can be used as vectors in gene therapy.

By studying the location of viral protein synthesis, researchers can gain insights into the infection process and potentially identify targets for intervention.

Visualization Techniques in Cell Biology

Visualization techniques are essential in cell biology to study the structure and function of cells. Some commonly used techniques include:

• Light Microscopy: Used for observing live cells and tissues.
• Electron Microscopy: Provides detailed images of cellular structures at a molecular level.
• Fluorescence Microscopy: Uses fluorescent markers to visualize specific molecules within cells.
• Autoradiography: Uses radioactive isotopes to track the location of molecules.

Each technique has its strengths and limitations and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the study. For example, autoradiography is particularly useful for tracking the synthesis and movement of molecules within cells.

Cell Biology Research Methods

Research methods in cell biology encompass a wide array of techniques designed to explore the intricacies of cellular function and structure. These methods include:

• Cell Culture: Growing cells under controlled conditions for experimental studies.
• Centrifugation: Separating cellular components based on density.
• Electrophoresis: Separating molecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins according to size and charge.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Amplifying specific DNA sequences for study.
• Microscopy Techniques: Observing and imaging cells and subcellular structures.

Each method offers unique insights and can be combined to provide a comprehensive understanding of cell biology. Mastery of these techniques empowers scientists to investigate cellular processes, diagnose diseases, and develop novel treatments.