TABLE 1.

Common uses of flowcharts and flow diagrams.

Content and Examples
Flowcharts	Flow Diagrams
1. Linear progression of steps Steps in laboratory procedure Overview of steps in procedure for scientific poster, article, or slide set for presentation Theory of straightforward method with linear input	1. Complex set of inputs, and interactions, in a process or theory Life cycle of microorganism Interaction of key signaling pathways in a process, such as Krebs cycle Theory of complex method Theory of how process works
2. Group of steps that are repeated Procedure of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	2. Comparison of two similar but distinct processes, or comparison of two substances affecting a process Comparison of mitosis and meiosis Comparison of activity of two or more immunotherapy drugs for cancer
3. Relationships between members of group Relationship of levels in multi-tiered organization Family tree for related organisms Family tree of extended family, for disease status	3. An organ, or organelle, shown at different magnifications Simplified illustration of condensation of DNA helix into metaphase chromosome Zooming in or out of an organ with panels showing different magnifications, such as a lung, bronchiole, alveolus, proteins on the surface of cells lining the alveolus.