In: Biology
When a gene or cDNA probe is "labeled", what is the process of labeling actually mean exactly?
For example, if c-myc is labeled with a 32p dCTP, what does this mean exactly?
A gene or labelled cDNA probe means the phosphate in a nucleotide for example, if c-myc is labeled with a 32P dCTP, is a radioisotope of phosphate. This radioisotope can be traced through detectors in which ever cell the radiolabelled gene or cDNA probe is present in the tissues or organs of the body. The radiolabelled probes are very useful in detecting the cancerous or mutated genes at the earliest to initiate the proper diagnosis and treatment. Radioisotopic tracer techniques are wdely used in medicine and cancer biology.