Nucleic Acid Purification and Analysis Quiz

A technique that measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample at specific wavelengths, allowing for estimation of DNA and RNA concentration.

A fluorescent dye that binds specifically to DNA or RNA, allowing for quantification using fluorescence measurements.

The process of analyzing the quality of RNA samples, often involving evaluating the abundance of different RNA types and the presence of specific RNA species.

A specific type of RNA that constitutes the majority of total RNA in a sample, typically displayed as prominent bands on an electrophoresis gel.

A technique that uses fluorescent dyes to quantify DNA or RNA. It offers higher sensitivity and specificity compared to spectrophotometry.

A technique using fluorescent molecules to label and visualize nucleic acids within cells.

Analyzing RNA levels in different tissues to understand gene expression across the body.

A technique used to detect specific DNA sequences in a sample, often used for genotyping.

A process that amplifies specific DNA sequences through repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and elongation.

Heat-stable enzymes used in PCR to replicate DNA.

A method for assessing the size and quality of nucleic acid fragments.

Fluorescent dyes used to visualize nucleic acids in gels or on membranes.

A technique used to visualize and analyze chromosomes, often used for diagnosing genetic disorders.

A type of translocation where two chromosomes exchange entire arms.

A technique using fluorescent dyes to mark specific locations on chromosomes, often used for diagnostics.

A method for separating molecules based on their solubility in different solvents. Nucleic Acids are extracted from a sample by mixing it with an organic solvent, such as phenol or chloroform. This separates the nucleic acids, which are water-soluble, from other cellular components, like proteins and lipids, which are more soluble in the organic phase.

Proteins and lipids are more soluble in organic solvents, so they will partition into the organic phase, separating them from the nucleic acids.

The aqueous phase contains the water-soluble nucleic acids, making it the desired fraction for further analysis.

An acidic environment leads to RNA remaining in the aqueous phase, while DNA partitions into the interphase. This allows for the selective isolation of either RNA or DNA.

A technique for separating macromolecules based on their size and charge. Nucleic Acids are passed through a column containing a silica matrix. The silica matrix binds the nucleic acids, while unwanted substances are removed by washing.

A chemical that disrupts the structure of molecules in a sample. In this case, the chaotropic salt (guanidinium) is used to break down the cell structure and release the nucleic acids.

An enzyme that degrades DNA, leaving behind RNA, if only RNA is needed for analysis.

An enzyme that degrades RNA, leaving behind DNA, if only DNA is needed for analysis.

The process of creating a DNA copy from an RNA template using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This cDNA can then be used for various molecular biology techniques, such as gene cloning and expression analysis.

A real-time PCR method that utilizes the fluorescent dye SyBr Green to quantify DNA amplification. SyBr Green binds to double-stranded DNA, increasing fluorescence as the reaction progresses. This method allows for the measurement of target DNA concentration in real-time during the PCR process.

A method used for sequencing DNA by chain termination. It involves incorporating fluorescently labelled dideoxynucleotides into the growing DNA strand, which terminates the chain. The fragments are then separated by size using gel electrophoresis, allowing for the DNA sequence to be read.

A high-throughput sequencing technology that uses fluorescence-based detection to sequence millions of DNA fragments in parallel. It involves fragmenting DNA, attaching adapters, and amplifying the fragments on a flow cell surface.

A key step in Illumina sequencing where DNA fragments are amplified in situ on the flow cell surface to create clusters of identical DNA molecules. This process increases the signal strength for sequencing.

The process of generating clusters of identical DNA molecules on a flow cell surface during Illumina sequencing. These clusters are created by attaching DNA fragments to the flow cell surface and amplifying them through bridge amplification.

A method used for sequencing by synthesis, where single DNA molecules are attached to a flow cell surface and amplified into clusters. Each cluster represents a single DNA molecule that will be sequenced.

A sequencing technique used in Illumina sequencing where fluorescently labelled nucleotides are added to the growing DNA strand, one at a time. The color emitted from each fluorescently labelled nucleotide is detected, providing information about the nucleotide sequence.

The process of determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA sequence.

A type of sequencing technology that reads short fragments of DNA or RNA, typically around 150-300 base pairs long.

A sequencing method that involves physically threading DNA or RNA through a nanopore, which detects changes in electrical current based on the different nucleotides.

A motor protein that unwinds DNA during nanopore sequencing, allowing for long reads.

Nanopore sequencing can generate long reads, typically much longer than short-read sequencing, often reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of base pairs.

Nanopore sequencing can be used to identify specific DNA modifications, such as methylation, without the need for additional chemical treatments.

The quality and integrity of the DNA or RNA sample used for nanopore sequencing can affect the accuracy and performance of the sequencing process. If the sample is damaged or contaminated, it can lead to errors in the sequencing results.

Nanopore sequencing is known for its high error rate in base calling, although new algorithms and artificial intelligence are improving accuracy.