DNA probes

Question 1

define DNA probe

Answer 1

short sequence of DNA with a label attached that is complementary to a specific allele, mutation or gene

Question 2

describe the process of DNA probe

Answer 2

• attach label to DNA probe
• if sequence is present DNA probe will hybridise, forming H bonds and stick to DNA sample with complementary sequence
• sample is rinsed to remove unhybridised DNA probes
• labels can then be viewed e.g UV fluorescence or radioactive markers

Question 3

what is different about a DNA microarray?

Answer 3

the label is attatched to humans DNA not probe so multiple alleles or mutations can be tested at once

Question 4

describe the process for a DNA microarray

Answer 4

• add patients labelled DNA to tile which has many DNA probes in known positions
• DNA will hybridise to complementary DNA
• rinse to remove unhybridised sample