DNA probe

Definition

A DNA probe is a single-stranded DNA fragment used to detect the presence of complementary nucleotide sequences by hybridization. It is often labeled with a radioactive or fluorescent tag for visualization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DNA probes are critical tools in molecular diagnostics for identifying specific sequences in complex samples.
2. They can be used to diagnose bacterial infections by detecting pathogen-specific genetic material.
3. The effectiveness of a DNA probe depends on its specificity and ability to bind only to its complementary sequence.
4. DNA probes are commonly labeled with radioactive isotopes, fluorophores, or enzymes to allow detection.
5. In microbiology, DNA probes can help identify bacteria responsible for urogenital infections by targeting unique genetic markers.

Review Questions

Related terms

Hybridization:

The process where two complementary strands of nucleic acids form a double-stranded structure.

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH): A technique that uses fluorescent probes to visualize the location of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

A method used to amplify specific segments of DNA for further analysis or detection.