Ribotyping

Definition

Ribotyping is a molecular technique used to identify and classify bacteria based on variations in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences. It involves restriction enzyme digestion of DNA, followed by hybridization with a labeled rRNA probe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ribotyping leverages the highly conserved nature of rRNA genes across bacterial species for identification.
2. The process includes extracting bacterial DNA, digesting it with restriction enzymes, and analyzing the patterns through gel electrophoresis.
3. Hybridization with an rRNA probe allows for visualization and comparison of banding patterns specific to different bacterial strains.
4. Ribotyping is useful in epidemiological studies to track sources and spread of bacterial infections.
5. It provides high-resolution differentiation between closely related bacterial species or strains.

Related terms

Restriction Enzyme: A protein that cuts DNA at specific recognition nucleotide sequences.

Gel Electrophoresis:

A technique used to separate nucleic acids or proteins based on size and charge.

rRNA Probe: A labeled segment of RNA that binds to complementary sequences in rRNA genes for detection.