What does "Biotinylation" mean?
Table of Contents
Biotinylation is a process where a small molecule called biotin is attached to proteins or other molecules in cells. Biotin is a vitamin that plays an important role in various biological processes. By tagging proteins with biotin, scientists can easily identify and study these proteins in the lab.
Purpose of Biotinylation
This method is useful for a variety of reasons. It helps researchers track proteins over time, understand how they interact with other molecules, and study their functions within the cell. Biotinylation can also assist in sorting and manipulating cells, which is important in many areas of research.
How It Works
The process usually involves using specific chemical reactions to attach biotin to the target proteins. Once this tagging is done, scientists can use other tools to detect the biotin and gain insights into the proteins' roles, locations, and movements in the cell.
Applications
Biotinylation has many practical uses in research. It allows for long-term tracking of specific proteins, helping scientists to visualize how these proteins behave under different conditions. Additionally, it opens the door for engineering cells to study various biological systems or develop therapies for diseases.