DNA probes

Question 1

what are DNA probes and why used

Answer 1

short sequences of DNA complimentary to a known sequence of DNA,
labelled with a fluorescent or radioactive tag
used for gentic screening

Question 2

what is genetic screening

Answer 2

study of an individual’s DNA to identify whether they possess a mutated allele that causes a particular disease

Question 3

how do they work

Answer 3

labelled DNA probe is mixed with denatured DNA samples form an individual
if mutation has mutated allele, probe will bind to comp base sequence in one DNA strnd- hybridisation
hybridised DNA detected using raiation or fluorescense

Question 4

what is DNA hybridisation

Answer 4

DNA sequences from different species that have complimetary base pairs are mixed and therefore hybridise

Question 5

what does a higher temp to break H bonds between strands mean

Answer 5

the more closely related the two species are

Question 6

uses of DNA probes

Answer 6

genetic screening to see if individual is carrier of recessive mutation, evaluate their risk of deveopign diseases
allow for personalised medicine
then genetic counselling