Fluorescent in situ hybridization
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (pronunciation: /flʊəˈrɛs(ə)nt ɪn ˈsɪtjʊ hʌɪbrɪdɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/), often abbreviated as FISH, is a molecular cytogenetic technique that uses fluorescent probes that bind to only those parts of a nucleic acid sequence with a high degree of sequence complementarity. It was developed by researchers in the early 1980s and is used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.
Etymology
The term "Fluorescent in situ hybridization" comes from the use of fluorescent probes, the process of hybridization, and the fact that this process takes place in situ, or in the original place where the chromosomes, genes, or nucleic acid sequences reside.
Procedure
The FISH procedure involves creating a probe with a fluorescent molecule attached to it. The probe is then allowed to hybridize, or bind, to a specific target sequence. The location of the probe is then determined using a fluorescence microscope. This allows for the visualization of the location of specific genes or sequences on a chromosome.
Applications
FISH has many applications in both research and clinical settings. Some of these include:
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment: FISH can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities associated with certain types of cancer.
- Prenatal diagnosis: FISH can be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus.
- Genetic counseling: FISH can provide information about a person's genetic makeup, which can be used in genetic counseling.
- Research: FISH is used in research to study the organization and function of the human genome.
Related Terms
See Also
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