Scientific Writing & Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real PCR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Scientific Writing & Communication flashcards as text
An SOP for a validated PCR assay is revised. Which document-control practice is essential?
Answer: Assign a new version number, record the changes and effective date, and archive the previous version
Document control means versioning, a change history, approval, and archiving superseded versions.
When describing replicates in a methods section, which statement is clearest?
Answer: "Three biological replicates, each with three technical qPCR replicates, were analyzed."
Separating biological from technical replicates and giving the number of each avoids ambiguity about n.
A results statement reads: 'Gene X was significantly upregulated.' What should be added to make it rigorous?
Answer: The fold change, statistical test used, p-value, and sample size
Claims of significance need effect size, the test used, the p-value, and n so readers can judge them.
Which item is required in a clinical laboratory test report under CLIA regulations (42 CFR 493.1291)?
Answer: The laboratory name and address where the test was performed
CLIA requires reports to include the patient identifier, test name, results, the laboratory's name and address, the report date, and other key elements.
A scientific poster on a new multiplex PCR assay is being designed. Which approach communicates best?
Answer: Use a clear title, short sections, key figures, and a concise take-home message
Posters work best when they are visual and scannable, with brief text and a clear main conclusion.
Which MIQE-recommended detail confirms primer specificity in a qPCR methods section?
Answer: In silico specificity check (e.g., BLAST) plus melt curve or gel confirmation of a single product
MIQE asks for in silico specificity analysis and empirical evidence of a single specific amplicon.
Which statement about a data availability statement is correct?
Answer: It tells readers where and how the underlying data can be accessed, such as repository accession numbers
A data availability statement points readers to the data behind the findings, often through repository accession numbers.
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