Question

Finding/recognizing DNA fragments using Southern Bolts

Answer 1

A Southern blot is used for the detection of a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples. Southern blot combines the series of events such as transfer of electrophoresis-separated DNA fragments to a filter membrane and subsequent fragment detection by probe hybridization. The DNA fragments are electrophoresed on an agarose gel to separate them by size. A sheet of nitrocellulose membrane is placed on top of the gel, and this allows the DNA to move from the gel onto the membrane. The membrane is then exposed to a hybridization probe, and that allows the determination of a specific DNA fragment. After hybridization, excess probe is washed from the membrane, and the pattern of hybridization is visualized on X-ray film by autoradiography.