5 Questions
What is the main purpose of the northern blot technique in molecular biology research?
To study gene expression by detecting RNA in a sample
Who developed the northern blot technique?
James Alwine, David Kemp, and George Stark
What is the major difference between the northern blot and the Southern blot techniques?
The northern blot analyzes RNA, while the Southern blot analyzes DNA
Which chromatography technique can be used to isolate eukaryotic mRNA for the northern blot?
Oligo (dT) cellulose chromatography
What is the primary detection method used in northern blotting?
Hybridization probe complementary to part of or the entire target sequence
Study Notes
Northern Blot Technique
- The primary purpose of the northern blot technique is to detect and quantify specific RNA molecules in a sample.
- The northern blot technique was developed by James E. Alwine, David J. Kemp, and George R. Stark in 1977.
Comparison with Southern Blot
- The main difference between the northern blot and Southern blot techniques is the type of nucleic acid analyzed: the northern blot detects RNA, while the Southern blot detects DNA.
RNA Isolation
- Size-exclusion chromatography, also known as gel filtration chromatography, can be used to isolate eukaryotic mRNA for the northern blot.
Detection Method
- The primary detection method used in northern blotting is autoradiography or chemiluminescence, which involves hybridizing a labeled probe to the target RNA molecule and then detecting the labeled probe.
Test your knowledge on the northern blot technique which is used to study gene expression by detecting RNA in a sample. Explore how it is used to observe gene expression rates and cellular control over structure and function.
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