In: Biology
List the various ways that one could test for the presence of a pathogen ( not the immune response) in a human clinical sample. (Hint: think about the central dogma of molecular biology.)
Ans. The presence of a pathogen can be tested by the methods-
1. Protein profiling- According to central dogma, DNA is transcribed into mRNA and from this mRNA, protein is synthesized through translation process. By performing protein profiling we can detect the presence of foreign proteins. If foreign protein is detected to present, it can be concluded that a foreign DNA is present in the organism. Hence, it indicates the presence of a pathogen. Western blotting is a analytical technique for protein analysis in a sample.
2. mRNA analysis- Analysis for the detection of new mRNA in the genome can be done. Presence indicates a foreign DNA is being transcribed into mRNA in the individual. Northern blotting is an analytical technique for RNA analysis.
3. DNA analysis- Presence of foreign deoxyribonucleotides sequence (DNA) can be done. Southern blotting is analytical technique used for DNA analysis.