Definition of Northern Blotting



The technique that is employed to detect and analyze the specific molecules of RNA among the mixture of different RNAs is Northern blotting. The RNA sample can be extracted from any type of cell or tissue and then the RNA expression of the specific genes can be determined. This technique is quite similar to Southern blotting in which is used to analyze the specific DNA molecules present in the blood or tissues.

 


The process begins by denaturing the RNA and separating the molecules on the basis of their sizes by using the technique of gel electrophoresis. After this, the RNA is transferred to the membrane from the gel. Then, it is treated with a probe which is labelled with either a fluorescent dye or a radioactive atom. In this way, the RNA molecule of interest is detected.

 

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