GATE 2023 BT – Question 24

Recombinant DNA Technology and Other Tools in Biotechnology · Molecular tools: PCR, DNA and RNA labelling, Sanger and next generation sequencing, Southern and northern blotting, in-situ hybridization, DNA fingerprinting · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which of the following methods are used for detection of DNA and RNA, respectively?

Southern and Northern blotting
Southern and Western blotting
Northern and Southern blotting
Northern and Western blotting

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Correct answer: (A) Southern and Northern blotting

Explanation

The blotting techniques are named by a pun on Southern's name:

**Southern blot:** detects **DNA** (Edwin Southern).
**Northern blot:** detects **RNA**.
**Western blot:** detects **proteins**, using antibodies.

For DNA and RNA respectively the methods are **Southern and Northern blotting** (A).