DNA probe

Pronunciation
/D-N-A pro-be/
Category
Molecular Biology
Singular
DNA probe
Plural
DNA probes

Definition

Short, specific (complementary to the desired DNA sequence) artificially produced segments of labeled DNA are used to combine with and detect the presence of a specific gene or DNA sequence within the chromosome. The presence of this labeled probe usually is detected visually.

Etymology

From the Greek 'deoxyribo' meaning 'deoxyribose sugar', 'nucleic acid', and the Latin 'probe' meaning 'to test'.

Example

The DNA probe used in this experiment was labeled with a fluorescent dye, allowing visualization of the target sequence.

Synonyms

  • Genetic probe

Related Terms

  • DNA sequencing
  • Gene detection
  • Fluorescence
  • Labeling