ABSTRACT writing
(Based on
http://abacus.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/writing/HTWsections.h
tml)
Although it is the first section of your paper, the Abstract, by definition, must
be written last since it will summarize the paper. An abstract summarizes, in
one paragraph (usually), the major aspects of the entire paper in the following
prescribed sequence:
1.
2.
3.
4.
the question(s) you investigated (or purpose), (from Introduction)
o state the purpose very clearly in the first or second sentence.
the experimental design and methods used, (from Methods)
o clearly express the basic design of the study.
o Name or briefly describe the basic methodology used without going
into excessive detail-be sure to indicate the key techniques used.
the major findings including key quantitative results,
or trends (from Results)
o report those results which answer the questions you were asking in
the first or second sentence
o identify trends, relative change or differences, etc.
a brief summary of your interpretations and conclusions.
(from Discussion)
o clearly state the implications of the answers your results gave you.
Please, remember:
 Most abstracts are no less than 120 words but no more than 300 words. Remove
unnecessary words or phrases. Brevity is the key. The Abstract SHOULD
NOT contain abbreviations or terms that may be confusing to readers,
 Write your abstract in the past tense, except for conclusions that are always
true
 Make sure that all the information appearing in the abstract actually appears in
the body of the paper.
How do you know when you have enough information in your Abstract? A simple rule- is to
imagine that you are another researcher doing a study similar to the one you are reporting.
If your Abstract was the only part of the paper you could access, would you be happy with
the information presented there?
Example:
The role of ABC transporters in resistance of Trichoderma atroviride to antifungal agents
The past years have witnessed a significant increase in the resistance of microorganisms to antifungal
active agents. Hence, substantial attention has been focused on a more detailed understanding of
resistance mechanisms. The main objective of this work is to understand mechanisms of resistance to
antifungal agents (and organic acids) to prevent infections caused by resistant microorganisms in
medicine as well as in agriculture and possibly to design new antifungals to fight against
pathogens.//////////The aim of this work was to define the susceptibility of model filamentous fungi, to
antifungal agents and organic acids as well as to investigate the expression of selected T. atroviride ABC
transporter genes in the presence of antifungal agents with different modes of action and preservatives
used in food industry. RNA from mycelium of the fungus Trichoderma atroviride was used to obtain
cDNA. PCR products were later analyzed thanks to gel electrophoresis that visualizes products under
the UV light. /////////////Analysis of gene expression profiles of selected T. atroviride ABC transporter
genes identified three genes responsible for resistance to antifungal agents and food preservatives.
Obtained results showed that T. atroviride has the lowest susceptibility to substances tested, and due to
its tolerance represents an appropriate candidate to study mechanisms of resistance.