Summary

• Visualizing gene expression can help explain what a particular gene does.
• Frontline research techniques are built upon fundamental molecular biology.
• Gene expression can be measured by detecting either the protein product or the mRNA.
• Accurate detection requires both specificity and measurability.
• A variety of methods are used to visualize molecules, including fluorescent markers and enzymatic reactions.
• Antibodies are used to detect specific proteins.
• Complementary probes are used to detect mRNA.
• Reporter genes can be used to monitor gene expression.