Question

An important research technique which can used to determine mRNA localization in an embryo is___?

Answer 1

Answer:

In situ Hybridization

Northern blot analysis (which uses mRNA extracted from pieces of tissue that have been removed from the embryo) can give only an approximate location and time for gene expression. A more detailed map of gene expression patterns can be obtained by using a process called in situ hybridization. Instead of using a DNA probe to seek mRNA on a filter, the probe is hybridized with the mRNA in the organ itself. Embryos or organs are fixed to preserve their structure and to prevent the RNA from being degraded, then sectioned for microscopy and placed on a slide. When the radioactive DNA probe is added, it binds only where the complementary mRNA is present. After any unbound probe is washed off, the slide is covered with a transparent photographic emulsion for autoradiography. By means of computer-mediated bright-field imaging, the reduced silver grains can be shown in a color that contrasts with the background stain. Thus, we can visualize those cells (or even regions within cells) that have accumulated a specific type of mRNA.

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