Metabolomics FAQ

• • Is There a Defined Protocol for Dissolving Ganoderma Polysaccharides in DMSO?

  Ganoderma polysaccharides are biologically active compounds extracted from Ganoderma species, typically obtained in solid form. These polysaccharides are of significant interest in studies of biological activity and pharmaceutical development. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is among the commonly used solvents for their dissolution. The following outlines a stepwise protocol for dissolving Ganoderma polysaccharides in DMSO: Sample Preparation Lyophilize the polysaccharide solution to obtain a dry sample, then....

• • Is Purification Essential for Accurate Molecular Weight Determination of Polysaccharides?

  The determination of polysaccharide molecular weight does not always require prior purification; however, purification can markedly enhance the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. Impurities present in polysaccharide samples—such as proteins, other polysaccharides, salts, and small molecules—may interfere with the analytical process and result in inaccurate molecular weight determinations. Nonetheless, purification is not strictly mandatory, as certain techniques allow molecular weight analysis to

• • What Is the Detailed Experimental Protocol for the α-Glucosidase Activity Assay Following Polysaccharide Extraction?

  To evaluate α-glucosidase activity after polysaccharide extraction, the following stepwise experimental protocol is employed: Preparation of the Reaction Mixture Prepare a solution of the α-glucosidase substrate, such as p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG). Combine the substrate solution with a measured amount of the polysaccharide sample. Addition of the Enzyme Solution Introduce a defined volume of α-glucosidase solution into the reaction mixture. Incubation Incubate the reaction mixture under ......

• • Is Dialysis Necessary During Polysaccharide Extraction?

  Yes, dialysis—often conducted under running water—is typically employed during the polysaccharide extraction process. This step is essential for removing low-molecular-weight impurities, such as salts, small organic compounds, and low-molecular-weight proteins, that may be introduced or remain after extraction. In addition, dialysis facilitates the purification and concentration of the polysaccharide samples, thereby enhancing their overall purity and quality. The selection of an appropriate dialysis.......

• • How Can Protein-Polysaccharide Complexes Be Removed Using Papain

  The following steps outline a detailed protocol for the removal of protein-polysaccharide complexes (glycoprotein-like substances) using papain, which may serve as a reference for your experimental design: Sample Preparation Ensure that the concentration of protein-polysaccharide complexes in the sample is appropriate for enzymatic treatment, as excessively high or low concentrations may compromise the efficiency of enzymatic degradation. Selection of Buffer Use a buffer system that supports papain.........

• • What Is the Specific Protocol for the Extraction of Fungal Cell Wall Polysaccharides?

  The extraction of fungal cell wall polysaccharides typically involves several sequential steps: cultivation and harvesting of fungal biomass, isolation of the cell wall, extraction of polysaccharides from the wall material, and purification of the extracted polysaccharides. Depending on the fungal species, additional specific treatments may be required to ensure efficient and complete recovery of polysaccharides. Here, we present a detailed protocol using a commonly studied fungus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

• • Why Has Single-Cell Sequencing Predominantly Focused on Plant Reproductive Cells and Roots?

  Contrary to common perception, single-cell sequencing is not inherently restricted to plant reproductive cells and roots. These cell types have been extensively studied because they play essential roles in plant development and environmental adaptation. Additionally, reproductive cells and root tissues are often more amenable to processing and sequencing compared to other plant parts. Nevertheless, the application of single-cell sequencing in plant systems has been relatively limited and delayed, primarily.

• • Can Single-Cell Sequencing Be Performed Without a Reference Genome?

  Single-cell sequencing can be conducted even in the absence of a reference genome. In fact, this approach has been increasingly applied to non-model organisms that lack well-annotated reference genomes. When a reference genome is unavailable, several analytical strategies can be employed to interpret single-cell sequencing data: De Novo Genome Assembly By assembling single-cell sequencing data de novo, a draft genome of the target organism can be reconstructed. This typically involves quality filtering of..

• • Can Single-Cell Sequencing Data Be Used to Guide Drug Therapy?

  Yes, single-cell sequencing data can inform and guide drug therapy strategies. Applications of Single-Cell Sequencing Data in Drug Development 1. Single-cell transcriptomic data enable the identification and classification of diverse cell populations, including disease-associated subtypes. This is essential for elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic targets. 2. Such data also support the evaluation of drug efficacy and potential adverse effects. By comparing gene expression profile

• • How Much Cerebrospinal Fluid Is Typically Required for Single-Cell Sequencing?

  Single-cell sequencing is a powerful technique for analyzing gene expression at single-cell resolution. When applied to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), this approach often targets small and sparse populations of cells, such as circulating immune cells or disseminated tumor cells. The volume of CSF required for single-cell sequencing depends on several key factors: If the target cells are rare in the CSF, a larger volume may be necessary to acquire a sufficient number of cells for sequencing. Sequencing objective