| RNA probes | RNA, usually prepared by transcription from cloned DNA, which complements a specific mRNA or DNA and is generally used for studies of virus genes, distribution of specific RNA in tissues and cells, integration of viral DNA into genomes, transcription, etc. Whereas DNA probes are preferred for use at a more macroscopic level for detection of the presence of DNA/RNA from specific species or subspecies, RNA probes are preferred for genetic studies. Conventional labels for the RNA probe include radioisotope labels 32p and 125i and the chemical label biotin. RNA probes may be further divided by category into plus-sense RNA probes, minus-sense RNA probes, and antisense RNA probes. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| molecular probes | A group of atoms or molecules attached to other molecules or cellular structures and used in studying the properties of these molecules and structures. Radioactive DNA or RNA sequences are used in molecular genetics to detect the presence of a complementary sequence by molecular hybridization. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| nucleic acid probes | Nucleic acid which complements a specific mRNA or DNA molecule, or fragment thereof; used for hybridization studies in order to identify microorganisms and for genetic studies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| DNA probes | Species- or subspecies-specific DNA (including complementary DNA (DNA, complementary), conserved genes, whole chromosomes, or whole genomes) used in hybridization studies in order to identify microorganisms, to measure DNA-DNA homologies, to group subspecies, etc. The DNA probe hybridises with a specific mRNA, if present. Conventional techniques used for testing for the hybridization product include dot blot assays, southern blot assays, and DNA:RNA hybrid-specific antibody tests. Conventional labels for the DNA probe include the radioisotope labels 32p and 125i and the chemical label biotin. The use of DNA probes provides a specific, sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive replacement for cell culture techniques for diagnosing infections. (12 Dec 1998) |
| DNA probes, HLA | DNA probes specific for the human leukocyte antigen genes, which represent the major histocompatibility determinants in humans. The four known loci are designated as a, b, c, and d. Specific antigens are identified by a locus notation and number, e.g., HLA-a11. The inheritance of certain HLA alleles is associated with increased risk for certain diseases (e.g., insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). (12 Dec 1998) |
| DNA probes, HPV | DNA probes specific for the identification of human papilloma virus. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oligonucleotide probes | Synthetic or natural oligonucleotides used in hybridization studies in order to identify and study specific nucleic acid fragments, e.g., DNA segments near or within a specific gene locus or gene. The probe hybridises with a specific mRNA, if present. Conventional techniques used for testing for the hybridization product include dot blot assays, southern blot assays, and DNA:RNA hybrid-specific antibody tests. Conventional labels for the probe include the radioisotope labels 32p and 125i and the chemical label biotin. (12 Dec 1998) |
| acceptor RNA | rNA |
| antisense RNA | <molecular biology> A complementary RNA sequence that binds to (and thus blocks the transcription of) a naturally-occuring (sense) messenger RNA molecule. These proteins can be used to selectively turn off production of certain proteins or block viral genetic instructions, by marking them for destruction by cellular enzymes, in order to prevent the building of new virus or the infection of new cells. (09 Oct 1997) |
| bacteriophage T3 RNA polymerase | <enzyme> Used for the rapid generation of strand-specific RNA molecules that can be used for the identification of genes in hybridization experiments Registry number: EC 2.7.7.- Synonym: t3 RNA polymerase (26 Jun 1999) |
| cap II RNA(nucleoside-2'-)methyltransferase | <enzyme> Converts cap i-terminated mRNA to cap II-terminated mRNA Registry number: EC 2.1.1.- Synonym: cap II methylase (26 Jun 1999) |
| cap I RNA (nucleoside-2'-)methyltransferase | <enzyme> Converts cap 0-terminated mRNA to cap i-terminated mRNA Registry number: EC 2.1.1.- Synonym: cap I methylase (26 Jun 1999) |
| p68 RNA helicase | <enzyme> An RNA helicase isolated from uv-induced tumours in mice; amino acid sequence has been determined Registry number: EC 2.7.7.- Synonym: dead box helicase p68 (26 Jun 1999) |
| masked messenger RNA | <molecular biology> Long lived and stable mRNA found originally in the oocytes of echinoderms and constituting a store of maternal information for protein synthesis that is unmasked (derepressed) during the early stages of morphogenesis. In these early stages the rate of cell division is so rapid that transcription from the embryonic genome cannot occur. Undoubtedly not restricted to oocytes and the term can be applied to any mRNA which is present in inactive form. (18 Nov 1997) |
| ribosomal RNA | <molecular biology> A nucleic acid found in all living cells. Plays a role in transferring information from DNA to the protein-forming system of the cell. (16 Dec 1997) |
| messenger-like RNA | An ill-defined form of RNA, of high molecular weight, that never leaves the nucleus and is thought to be the precursor of messenger RNA. (05 Mar 2000) |