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When trying to learn about the function of a certain protein, it is
sometimes useful to purify mRNA from many different tissues or cell
types and then prepare a northern blot of those mRNAs, using a cDNA
clone of the protein of interest as the probe.
Only mRNA from the cell types that are synthesizing the protein will
hybridize to the probe.
Procedure
STEP 1 : ISOLATAION OF RNA :
All the target RNA’s molecules should be extracted from
the sample.
Isolate RNA from cells or tissue samples using the TRI
reagent or genelute™ kit for mammalian cells or tissues.
Agarose & Buffer : Agarose & buffer are used is a gel to conduct
electrical current.
Formaldehyde :
Formaldehyde is used to unfragment the branched RNA molecule
to simple linear one and to prevent it form coiling again.
Gel Electrophoresis
Blotting/ Transfer
The transfer or blotting is the step in
which the mRNA from the
electrophoresis gel will be transferred
onto a nylon membrane so it may be
accessible to a probe for hybridization
and detection. The separated mRNA
bands are then blotted on chemically
reactive filter paper.
Blotting/ Transfer
Traditionally, a nitrocellulose membrane is used, although nylon
or a positively charged nylon membrane may be used.
Nitrocellulose typically has a binding capacity of about
100µg/cm, while nylon has a binding capacity of about 500
µg/cm. Many scientists feel nylon is better since it binds more
and is less fragile.
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