Basic MDx Terminology
Molecular Diagnostics
(MDx) Review 541
Molecular diagnostics
Extraction
RNase
DNase
Target
Hybridization
Hybrid
Duplex
Stringency
Analysis of DNA & RNA; nucleic acid testing (NAT).
Isolation of DNA/RNA from other cellular components.
Enzyme that degrades RNA. Ubiquitous in environment.
Enzyme that degrades DNA.
Specific section of DNA under investigation.
Pairing of complementary strands of nucleic acid, 1 from sample & 1 a reagent. Resulting hybrids can be
DNA:DNA, DNA:RNA, or RNA:RNA.
Product of hybridization.
Hybrid.
Stability of bonding during hybridization. Based on degree of match & base composition. Influenced
by temp, pH, & salt concentration. ↑temp, ↓salt ensure only most perfectly matched strands will
remain paired.
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