Metabolomics FAQ

• • 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

• • What Are the Standard Procedures for Extracting Hemicellulosic Polysaccharides?

  The extraction of hemicellulosic polysaccharides generally involves the following sequential steps: Raw Material Selection Select plant-based materials with a high hemicellulose content, including but not limited to wood, rice husks, and wheat straw. Pretreatment Subject the raw materials to physical (e.g., grinding, milling) or chemical (e.g., treatment with acidic or alkaline solutions) pretreatment in order to remove impurities and enhance the efficiency of hemicellulose extraction. Extraction The ......

• • What Are the Components Inside and Outside the Dialysis Bag During Partial Acid Hydrolysis of Polysaccharides?

  The partial acid hydrolysis of polysaccharides involves the controlled depolymerization of polysaccharide chains (e.g., starch, cellulose) into smaller carbohydrate fragments under acidic conditions. In this setup, the polysaccharide sample is placed within a dialysis bag or a similar semi-permeable membrane device, which is subsequently immersed in an acid-containing solution. The acid permeates the membrane, allowing hydrolysis to occur within the bag. As the reaction proceeds, low-molecular-weight sugars

• • How Are the Repeating Units of Polysaccharides Determined through Analytical Approaches?

  During the structural analysis of polysaccharides, the repeating units can be elucidated through the following sequential steps: Separation and Purification Chromatographic techniques, such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), are employed to separate and purify polysaccharide samples, ensuring the isolation of fractions with consistent molecular weight distributions. Hydrolysis The purified polysaccharides are subjected to acid hydrolysis, cleaving the glycosidic bonds to yield monosaccharides or.......

• • What Are the General Procedures and Considerations for Extracting Cell Wall Polysaccharides?

  The extraction of cell wall polysaccharides is a multi-step and technically demanding process. These polysaccharides are key structural components of the cell wall, especially in plants and certain microorganisms. The general protocol outlined below can serve as a reference; however, modifications may be necessary depending on the specific cell type and the target polysaccharide. Cell Collection and Preparation Cells are harvested from selected tissues or microbial cultures. During this step, it is ........

• • How Do Polysaccharides Influence the Quality of Kombucha?

  Kombucha, a fermented beverage derived from a symbiotic culture of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria (commonly known as SCOBY), undergoes complex microbial and biochemical transformations during fermentation. The influence of polysaccharides on the quality of Kombucha is reflected in the following aspects: Nutritional Value During fermentation, the microbial community in Kombucha metabolizes the nutrients from tea and added sugars to support proliferation. Common sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose.

• • What Analytical Methods Are Available for Metabolomic Profiling of Morinda officinalis Polysaccharides?

  Currently, metabolomic studies of Morinda officinalis polysaccharides primarily utilize high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), depending on the nature of the sample and the target analytes. Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) Principle: Metabolites are first separated via liquid chromatography and subsequently ionized and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Advantages: High sensitivity and resolution; well-suited for the ..