Now available on the web: A comparison of the following PCR machines lists various features to help you decide which qPCR instrument is most suitable for your needs.

• Applied Biosystems: ABI 7300, ABI 7500, ABI 7500 Fast, ABI 7900 Fast HT with automation accessory, ABI StepOne
• Roche: LightCycler 480, LightCycler 1.5, LightCycler 2.0
• Stratagene: Mx4000, Mx3000P, Mx3005P
• Cepheid: SmartCycler
• Corbett: Rotor-Gene 6000
• Eppendorf: Mastercycler ep realplex
• BioRad: MiniOpticon, MyiQ, Opticon2, Chromo4, iQ5

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Bibliography:

1. Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications
2. Real-Time PCR in Microbiology: From Diagnosis to Characterization
3. PCR Troubleshooting: The Essential Guide
4. PCR Books

Labels: instruments, molecular machines, platforms, qPCR, real-time PCR

In weighing up the pros and cons of the different real-time PCR machines for your laboratory, factors to consider include: supported chemistries; multiplex capability for that chemistry; throughput; flexibility; format; easy-of-use and robust software package; reproducibility; speed; size; technical support; customer support and not least the cost, not only of the initial equipment outlay and servicing but also the associated cost of consumables and reagents. It is also possible to 'try before you buy', most companies will provide a loan machine. It is wise to test a few of these once you have narrowed down your choice. User experiences should not be overlooked and there are now a number of useful websites and news groups where you can address you questions and queries regarding PCR machines read more ...

Labels: PCR, PCR machine, qPCR, qPCR machine, qPCR platform

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) genes constitute one of the largest super-families in living organisms. The majority of ABC proteins encode membrane proteins that utilize the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to transport a diverse set of compounds. ABC systems are critical to the cellular physiology of prokaryotes, facilitating the import of nutrients, the extrusion of toxins and for DNA repair.

In eukaryotes, ABC proteins function primarily as efflux pumps (or as import pumps in intracellular organelles) playing important roles in protecting organisms from xenobiotics, antigen presentation, cholesterol and lipid transport. As ABC transporters extrude an unusually large set of chemically diverse compounds, they impede the treatment of microbial infections and human cancers and are implicated in multidrug resistance (MDR).

Among prokaryotes, ABC proteins segregate into 29 families belonging to three main classes approximating the functional divisions of the ABC system (importers, exporters and "other").

from Zuben E. Sauna and Suresh V. Ambudkar (2009) in ABC Transporters in Microorganisms Edited by Alicia Ponte-Sucre, Caister Academic Press. ISBN: 978-1-904455-49-3

Further reading: ABC Transporters as Targets against Drug Resistance

Labels: ABC proteins, ABC systems, ATP binding, ATP-binding cassette, efflux pumps, multidrug resistance, super-families

November 16 - 18, 2009 qPCR Congress
London, UK Further information
The advancement of real-time or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) extends the usefulness of PCR technology. This conference explores effective strategies, technologies and applications of qPCR in accelerating drug discovery and development of clinical diagnostics.
Suggested reading: qPCR Books

Further reading: Real-Time PCR in Microbiology: From Diagnosis to Characterization

Labels: qPCR, qPCR conference