Explain how FISH Flourescent in situ hybridization works a

Explain how FISH ( Flourescent in situ hybridization ) works and how to interpret data

Solution

FISH is a technique in which complementary probes are used to bind specific DNA sequences. In this technique, the probes are tagged with fluorophores.

The DNA sequences and probe sequences are incubated for 12 hours for hybridization. Several washing steps are required in order to remove unhybridized and partially hybridized probe sequences.

The results are then visualized using a fluorescent microscope that is capable of exciting the dye and capturing the images.

If the fluorescent are weak, the DNA sequences have to be amplified to generate a large number of sequences.

This technique is used to find specific features in DNA to apply in genetic counseling, species identification and medicine.