What is the Difference Between Nick Translation and Primer Extension?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Nick translation and primer extension are two important techniques used in molecular biology, but they serve different purposes and involve different processes:
Nick Translation:
- This process creates labeled DNA probes for various hybridization reactions.
- It involves the synchronized activity of DNA polymerase I in removing the RNA primer and adding deoxyribonucleotides.
- A nick (gap) is formed between the DNA strands, which is sealed using a DNA ligase.
- Enzymes used: DNase I and DNA polymerase.
- Importance: Nick translation facilitates the marking of specific DNA sequences.
Primer Extension:
- This technique is used to detect a specific RNA transcript from a mixture and quantify its size and amount.
- It involves the use of reverse transcriptase to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA) of the RNA sequence.
- Primer annealing and reverse transcription occur only when the specific RNA sequence is present in the sample.
- Enzyme used: Reverse transcriptase.
- Importance: Primer extension is useful for studying gene expression and quantifying the amount of mRNA present in a sample.
In summary, nick translation is a process that creates labeled DNA probes using DNA polymerase I, while primer extension is a technique for detecting and quantifying specific RNA transcripts using reverse transcriptase.
Comparative Table: Nick Translation vs Primer Extension
Here is a table comparing the differences between Nick Translation and Primer Extension:
Feature | Nick Translation | Primer Extension |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Creates labeled DNA probes for various hybridization reactions | Used to find specific RNA or study gene expression |
Enzymes Used | DNase 1 and DNA polymerase enzymes | Reverse transcriptase enzyme |
Importance | Facilitates the marking of specific DNA sequences | Enables detection of specific mRNA sequence size and the amount present in the sample |
Nick Translation is a process that generates labeled DNA probes for various hybridization reactions, using DNase 1 and DNA polymerase enzymes. On the other hand, Primer Extension is a technique used to find specific RNA or study gene expression, utilizing the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
- Nick Translation vs End Filling
- Probe vs Primer
- Forward vs Reverse Primer
- Primer vs Promoter
- PCR Primers vs Sequencing Primers
- Adhesion Promoter vs Primer
- Nickel vs Chrome
- Transcription vs Translation
- Transcription vs Translation in DNA
- Polymerase vs Primase
- Transcription vs Translation in Language
- Extension vs Extention
- Random Primers vs Oligo dT
- Transcription vs Reverse Transcription
- Nickel vs Silver
- Primer Sealer vs Undercoat
- Copper vs Nickel
- Zinc vs Nickel Plating
- Interpreter vs Translator