Worked Examples

Real experiment setups, not just generic calculators

These worked examples show how a researcher would actually use BioLT during PCR planning, cell seeding, cloning, and qPCR interpretation. Each page is meant to stand on its own as reference content.

PCR Master Mix Example for a 25 uL Reaction

Worked example for setting up a 25 uL endpoint PCR reaction with overage and control wells.

Best for

Researchers preparing routine endpoint PCR or first-pass assay validation.

Open example

10-fold Serial Dilution Example for a Standard Curve

Worked example showing how to build a standard curve dilution series without carryover mistakes.

Best for

Users preparing qPCR standards, titration panels, or assay sensitivity checks.

Open example

Cell Seeding Example for a 6-well Plate

Worked example for turning a live cell count into a practical seeding plan for a 6-well experiment.

Best for

Researchers seeding mammalian cells for routine culture or treatment assays.

Open example

Hemocytometer and Trypan Blue Example

Worked example for converting manual chamber counts into viable cell concentration and viability.

Best for

Researchers who still rely on manual counting and need a clean reference for the math.

Open example

Ligation Ratio Example for Insert and Vector Planning

Worked example for choosing insert amount from vector mass, fragment length, and target molar ratio.

Best for

Researchers setting up routine cloning reactions and trying to avoid mass-ratio mistakes.

Open example

qPCR ddCt Interpretation Example

Worked example for turning Ct values into dCt, ddCt, and fold-change with interpretation notes.

Best for

Researchers using relative expression analysis and checking whether a result is interpretable.

Open example

A260 Purity Check Example Before PCR

Worked example for deciding whether a nucleic acid prep is clean enough for downstream use or needs cleanup first.

Best for

Researchers checking whether a DNA or RNA prep is ready for PCR, cloning, or qPCR.

Open example

Copy Number Example for qPCR Standard Preparation

Worked example for converting DNA mass into copies and preparing a standard series with enough volume for replicates.

Best for

Researchers building plasmid or amplicon standards for qPCR or assay sensitivity checks.

Open example

Transformation Efficiency Example After Cloning

Worked example for calculating CFU per microgram and interpreting whether a low-colony outcome reflects competent cells, ligation, or plating dilution.

Best for

Researchers reviewing a transformation result after ligation or control plasmid transformation.

Open example

RCF to RPM Conversion Example for a New Rotor

Worked example for converting a published spin force into the RPM needed on a centrifuge with a different rotor radius.

Best for

Researchers adapting a protocol from a paper, kit, or another lab onto their own centrifuge.

Open example

Pipetting Overage Planning Example

Worked example for deciding how much extra master mix to prepare when small dead volumes and repeat dispensing are expected.

Best for

Researchers preparing PCR, qPCR, enzyme reactions, or plate-based assays with repeated dispensing.

Open example

No-RT Control Example for RNA qPCR

Worked example for using no-RT controls to distinguish true cDNA signal from genomic DNA carryover.

Best for

Researchers preparing expression analysis from RNA samples.

Open example

Gel Smear Troubleshooting Example

Worked example for interpreting a smeared gel lane before deciding whether PCR, sample quality, or electrophoresis conditions are responsible.

Best for

Researchers troubleshooting endpoint PCR, cleanup products, or extracted nucleic acids.

Open example

Cell Viability Plating Decision Example

Worked example for deciding whether to seed, recount, or recover cells when viability is lower than expected.

Best for

Researchers preparing treatment plates or routine culture passages after manual counting.

Open example

Buffer Working Stock Preparation Example

Worked example for preparing a working stock while preserving concentration, labeling, and storage records.

Best for

Researchers preparing buffers, supplements, additives, or routine working stocks.

Open example

Plate Layout Example for Edge Effects

Worked example for arranging samples and controls so plate position does not masquerade as biology.

Best for

Researchers planning cell assays, qPCR plates, or plate-reader experiments.

Open example