what is nucleic acid blotting definition uses and types in

what is nucleic acid blotting , definition , uses, and types in details?

Solution

Definition:

Nucleic acid blotting is a method where in a specific genomic sequence of interest can be located in a mixture containing samples of RNA or DNA.

Uses:

Types:

The major types of nucleic acid blotting techniques extensively used are - Southern Blotting and Northern Blotting.

Southern Blotting: This technique is used to visualize a sequence of interest form mix samples of nucleic acid. Here the DNA containing the gene of interest is first fragmented using restriction enzymes. The smaller fragments of DNA are then run in a electrophoresis gel to separate the fragments based on their sizes and charge carried by them. The separated fragments are then transferred to a filter. The filter is exposed to a radio labeled DNA which is complimentary to the sequence (or gene) of interest. The complimentary DNA which is radio labeled will thus go and bind to the sequence of interest and upon X ray exposure, the sequence of interest can be visualized.

Northern Blotting: This technique is similar to Southern blotting but is used in detection of a RNA of interest instead of DNA. This process is mostly associated with gene expression.The process of electrophoresis used in this process is a denaturing type which will help to make the RNA linear by breaking its secondary structures.