Molecular biology techniques SNOW (South – NOrth -West) DROP (DNA – RNA – Protein) Molecular biology techniques The following table shows a very basic summary of molecular biology techniques Southern blotting Detects DNA Northern blotting Detects RNA Western blotting Detects …
Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum following ovulation Menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle may be divided into the following phases: Days Menstruation 1-4 Follicular phase (proliferative phase) 5-13 Ovulation 14 Luteal phase (secretory phase) 15-28 Further details are given …
Hypertension in pregnancy The classification of hypertension in pregnancy is complicated and varies. Remember, in normal pregnancy: blood pressure usually falls in the first trimester (particularly the diastolic), and continues to fall until 20-24 weeks after this time the blood …
Transfer factor The transfer factor describes the rate at which a gas will diffuse from alveoli into blood. Carbon monoxide is used to test the rate of diffusion. Results may be given as the total gas transfer (TLCO) or that …
Epidermis – 5 layers – bottom layer = stratum germinativum which gives rise to keratinocytes and contains melanocytes Epidermis The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of a stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying basal …
Foramina of the skull Questions asking about foramina of the skull have come up in the exam in previous years. Below is a brief summary of the major foramina, please see the Wikipedia link for a full list. Foramen Bone …
Inflammatory bowel disease: key differences The two main types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. They have many similarities in terms of presenting symptoms, investigation findings and management options. There are however some key differences which …
Coeliac disease Coeliac disease is caused by sensitivity to the protein gluten. Repeated exposure leads to villous atrophy which in turn causes malabsorption. Conditions associated with coeliac disease include dermatitis herpetiformis (a vesicular, pruritic skin eruption) and autoimmune disorders (type …
Autoimmune hepatitis Autoimmune hepatitis is condition of unknown aetiology which is most commonly seen in young females. Recognised associations include other autoimmune disorders, hypergammaglobulinaemia and HLA B8, DR3. Three types of autoimmune hepatitis have been characterised according to the types …
Skin prick testing would be first-line here as it is inexpensive and a large number of allergens can be investigated. Whilst there is a role for IgE testing in food allergy it is in the form of specific IgE antibodies …