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Table of Contents

  1. Aims and introduction
    1. Abstract 1
    2. Abstract 2

Abstract 1

Read through the abstract below and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses using the checklist provided to guide you. Enter your thoughts into the answer box or into the Word document then click on the 'Check your answer' button to see a suggested answer.

In order to investigate the properties of the mutated GFP protein; cloning, mutation, and expression of the protein were conducted. Therefore, GFP was sub-cloned into the expression vector pET28c and transformed into DH5α cells. The mutation was generated by site-directed mutagenesis and the recombinant plasmids were then transformed into BL21(DE3)plysS cells. Subsequently, the protein was expressed and purified and the properties analysed. Mass spectrometry and fluorimetry results showed the mutated protein to be different from the wild-type in mass and spectral properties.

Checklist for reviewing an abstract

  • Does the abstract conform to the length limit stipulated by the guidelines (assume for the purpose of this activity that the word limit is 200 words)?
  • Does the abstract include the four elements: aims, methodology, results and conclusions?
  • Is the content of the abstract ordered in the prescribed sequence (i.e. aims, methodology, results and conclusions)?
  • Is the abstract free from references, illustrations and unnecessary abbreviations?
  • If abbreviations are used have they been defined?
  • Are there any parts of the abstract that can be edited to make it more concise? (e.g. is all the information necessary, is there repetition of material, are there any long sentences that can be re-written to make them more concise?).
  • Is the abstract free from spelling mistakes, grammatical and punctuation errors?
  • Can the abstract be understood without reference to any further information?

1
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of abstract 1.

[If you would like to save a record of your answer, please type it into this Word document]

This is an extremely poorly written abstract for the following reasons:

  • There is no introductory statement, nor is the purpose or rationale of the study clear. The author should begin the abstract by stating the aims of the study clearly.
  • The methods section is acceptable, but some key points are omitted such as: which mutation is being generated?
  • The results section is very poor. The abstract states that the "mutated protein is different from the wild-type" but does not describe exactly how the protein is different. The author should clearly state what the results are (in this instance the precise differences in mass and spectral properties).
  • There is no conclusion. An abstract should end with the conclusion(s) of the study.
  • The word count is much lower than the stipulated limit of 200 words. This means that the author has scope to expand on the abstract and include additional information which can improve the quality and clarity of this abstract.
  • The abbreviation "GFP" is not defined.

However, on the positive aspects: there are no references cited and the abstract is free from illustrations, spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors.

Check your answer