Basic MDx Terminologycontinued
Molecular Diagnostics
(MDx) Review 542
Nucleic acid probe
Homologous
Short strand of DNA or RNA with known base sequence. Isolated from organisms, cloned in bacteria, or
synthesized. Labeled with fluorescent or chemiluminescent dyes, enzymes, or radioisotopes to produce
visible sign of hybridization. Used in many molecular methods, e.g., Southern blot, Northern blot, in situ
hybridization, restriction fragment length polymorphism, conventional & real time PCR. If complemen-
tary base sequence is present, probe attaches to target.
Matching, e.g., a homologous nucleic acid segment is 1 whose nucleotides are in correct order to
hybridize with another nucleic acid segment, such as a primer or probe. The base pairs of 1 strand are
complementary to the base pairs of the other. Term also used in reference to chromosome pairs,
e.g., maternal copy of chromosome 17 and homologous paternal copy.
TERM EXPLANATION
