SSCE VCE Biology Scientific Investigation and Research Methods: Many techniques in molecular bio

Question

Many techniques in molecular biology require the use of probes.

a. What is a probe?

DNA microarray technology, also known as DNA chip technology, allows screening to detect mutations. A DNA chip is made of glass and can contain thousands of fields. Each field is like a tiny well in which reactions can occur.

DNA microarray technology has been used to survey the p53 gene because a mutation of this gene is present in about 60% of all cancers. The position of a mutation in the p53 gene of a patient, Patient X, who has breast cancer, can be determined.

Steps in the screening procedure are outlined below.

Step 1
Treat a normal allele of p53 to break it down into nucleotide sequences.

Step 2
Each segment must be tested, one nucleotide at a time. Tests for the first segment of the allele are outlined below.

Consider nucleotide five [G] in the normal sequence. Sequences of this section are manufactured so that all possible variants of base five are formed. Each of these sequences is placed in a different field.

Many techniques in molecular biology require the use of probes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2009 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many techniques in molecular biology require the use of probes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2009 - Paper 1

What is a probe?

Step 1

Step 2

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