Molecular Diagnostic Techniques Flashcards
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
○ Used to gain information to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease and treatment decisions
○ Detect specific nucleic acid sequences in microorganisms or cells before antibody detection is possible
DNA
Carries the primary genetic information within chromosomes
Purine bases
adenine,
guanine
Pyrimidine bases
○ cytosine,
○ Thymine
RNA
○ an intermediate nucleic acid structure
○ Purine bases: adenine, guanine
○ Pyrimidine bases: cytosine, uracil
Nucleotides
Units are composed of a phosphorylated ribose sugar and a nitrogen base
Nucleic acids
chains of nucleotides covalently attached, forming a sugar–phosphate backbone of phosphodiester bonds
Mutations
○ Changes in nucleotide sequence
○ Can cause immunodeficiencies or affect response to therapy
Polymorphisms
Are mutations defined by their frequency in the population
restriction endonuclease enzymes
○ cleave DNA at specific locations
○ Used to investigate small genomes, such as those of microorganisms or plasmids
Southern blot analysis
○ DNA fingerprinting
○ Comprised of: Buffer, soaked paper, gel, nitrocellulose membrane, dry paper
Array methods
Allow for multiple targets or samples to be analyzed simultaneously
Bead arrays
○ Used for multiplex detection of proteins and nucleic acids
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
○ Thin sections of solid tissue or deposits of cells are deposited on glass slides
○ Technique can identify chromosomal abnormalities
