What is the southern blot hybridisation in the process of DNA fingerpr...
Southern Blot Hybridisation in DNA Fingerprinting
Southern blot hybridisation is a technique used in DNA fingerprinting to identify and compare the differences in DNA sequences among individuals. It involves the separation of DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis, followed by the transfer of these fragments onto a nylon membrane. The membrane is then treated with a labelled probe that can bind to specific DNA sequences of interest.
Gel Electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge. The DNA sample is loaded onto a gel matrix and subjected to an electric field. The negatively charged DNA fragments move towards the positive electrode, with smaller fragments moving faster than larger ones. This results in a ladder-like pattern of bands on the gel, with the smallest fragments at the bottom and the largest at the top.
Transfer onto a Nylon Membrane
Once the DNA fragments have been separated using gel electrophoresis, they are transferred onto a nylon membrane using a process called blotting. The gel is placed onto the membrane, and pressure is applied to force the DNA fragments through the gel and onto the membrane. The membrane is then treated with a chemical that causes the DNA to bind to the membrane, immobilizing it in place.
Hybridisation with a Labelled Probe
A labelled probe is a short, single-stranded DNA molecule that is complementary to a specific DNA sequence of interest. The probe is labelled with a radioactive or fluorescent tag, which allows it to be detected after hybridisation. The membrane is incubated with the labelled probe, which binds to the complementary DNA sequence on the membrane. The unbound probe is then washed away, leaving only the labelled probe bound to the membrane.
Detection and Analysis
After hybridisation, the membrane is exposed to X-ray film or a fluorescent scanner, which detects the location of the labelled probe on the membrane. The resulting pattern of bands on the film or scanner represents the DNA fingerprint of the individual. By comparing the patterns of bands between individuals, it is possible to identify differences in DNA sequences and determine relationships between individuals.