What is the method called that uses fluorescent markers to detect specific DNA sequences?

What is the method called that uses fluorescent markers to detect specific DNA sequences?

• A. DNA sequencing
• B. Karyotyping
• C. In situ hybridization
• D. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Answer: (C)

The method that employs fluorescent markers to detect specific DNA sequences is in situ hybridization. This technique allows researchers to visualize the presence and localization of specific nucleic acid sequences within fixed tissues or cells. By using fluorescently labeled probes that bind to complementary DNA or RNA sequences, in situ hybridization enables the observation of gene expression patterns and the identification of particular genetic alterations directly within the cellular context. In situ hybridization is particularly valuable in various fields, including developmental biology, cancer research, and genetic diagnostics, as it provides spatial information about where specific genes are active or mutated. The use of fluorescence enhances the sensitivity and specificity of detection, making this method a powerful tool in genetic research. When considering the other methods mentioned, DNA sequencing focuses on determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, while karyotyping is used to visualize the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a reproductive technology that screens embryos for specific genetic conditions before implantation. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes in genetics but does not utilize fluorescent markers for detecting specific DNA sequences within a cellular or tissue context like in situ hybridization does.

The method that employs fluorescent markers to detect specific DNA sequences is in situ hybridization. This technique allows researchers to visualize the presence and localization of specific nucleic acid sequences within fixed tissues or cells. By using fluorescently labeled probes that bind to complementary DNA or RNA sequences, in situ hybridization enables the observation of gene expression patterns and the identification of particular genetic alterations directly within the cellular context.

In situ hybridization is particularly valuable in various fields, including developmental biology, cancer research, and genetic diagnostics, as it provides spatial information about where specific genes are active or mutated. The use of fluorescence enhances the sensitivity and specificity of detection, making this method a powerful tool in genetic research.

When considering the other methods mentioned, DNA sequencing focuses on determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, while karyotyping is used to visualize the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a reproductive technology that screens embryos for specific genetic conditions before implantation. Each of these methods serves distinct purposes in genetics but does not utilize fluorescent markers for detecting specific DNA sequences within a cellular or tissue context like in situ hybridization does.