Abstract Guidelines
The following should each be summarized in a few sentences:
- The problem that was investigated and the hypothesis
- Outline of the materials and methods used in the actual experimentation.
- Summary of the results obtained from experimentation.
- The conclusions drawn from results.
- The importance or potential applications that the research offers.
In the abstract, do not be concerned with including all of the details. The key point to remember when writing an abstract is to keep the wording brief and concise. Use complete sentences. Avoid personal pronouns like "I" and "My." Abstracts should be long enough to provide the necessary information needed to understand the project’s basic points and importance, but should be no more than 1800 characters.
Abstract Example
The goal of this study is to isolate the gene controlling sexual fusion in Chiamydomonas. In the attempt to isolate this gene we are using an isolated fusion defective mutant (gain-b int-) to screen the indexed genomic library of Chiamydomonas DNA. The purpose of using the library is to find a DNA segment that will make the mutant fusion competent. Once we find the DNA segment that will make this mutant fusion competent, we can retrieve the segment of DNA that complements the mutants and then clone the gene. It is hoped that this technique will lead us to a single gene that directly controls gametic fusion in Chiamydomonas. Once the gene is found we will be able to determine the sequence and analyze the structure of the fusion protein.
