in molecular biology, formation of a partially or wholly
complementary nucleic acid duplex by association of single
strands,usually between DNA and RNA strands or previously
unassociated DNA strands, but also between RNA strands, used to
detect and isolate specific sequences, measure homology, or define
other characteristics of one or both strands.
- Southern blotting is an example of RFLP (restriction fragment
length polymorphism). It was developed by Edward M. Southern
(1975). Southern blotting is a hybridization technique for
identification of particular size of DNA from the
mixture of other similar molecules. This technique
is based on the principle of separation of DNA fragments by gel
electrophoresis and identified by labelled probe
hybridization.
- Basically, the DNA fragments are separated on the basis of size
and charge during electrophoresis. Separated DNA fragments after
transferring on nylon membrane, the desired DNA is detected using
specific DNA probe that is complementary to the desired DNA.
- A hybridization probe is a short (100-500bp), single stranded
DNA. The probes are labeled with a marker so that they can be
detected after hybridization.