What are the Advantages and Limitations of Probe Hybridization?
Advantages: - Specificity: Probes can be designed to bind specifically to the target sequence, allowing for precise detection. - Versatility: The technique can be applied to a wide range of samples and used to detect both DNA and RNA. - Quantitative Analysis: The intensity of the signal from the labeled probe can be quantified, providing information on the abundance of the target sequence.
Limitations: - Complexity: The procedure can be technically demanding, requiring careful optimization of conditions for successful hybridization. - Sensitivity: While highly specific, the technique may not always detect low-abundance targets without proper amplification methods. - Artifact Formation: Issues such as non-specific binding or background staining can complicate the interpretation of results.
