Chemicals and Drugs

DNA Probes

Species- or subspecies-specific DNA (including COMPLEMENTARY DNA; 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 hybridizes 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.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Species- or subspecies-specific DNA (including COMPLEMENTARY DNA; 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 hybridizes 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.

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Synonyms

21 entry terms
  • DNA Hybridization Probe
  • DNA Hybridization Probes
  • DNA Probe
  • Hybridization Probe, DNA
  • Hybridization Probes, DNA
  • Probe, DNA
  • Probe, DNA Hybridization
  • Probes, DNA
  • Probes, DNA Hybridization
  • Chromosomal Probes
  • Conserved Gene Probes
  • Gene Probes, DNA
  • Whole Chromosomal Probes
  • Whole Genomic DNA Probes
  • Chromosomal Probes, Whole
  • DNA Gene Probes
  • Gene Probes, Conserved
  • Probes, Chromosomal
  • Probes, Conserved Gene
  • Probes, DNA Gene
  • Probes, Whole Chromosomal

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Aspects Covered

27 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analysis, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

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Indexing Annotation

general or unspecified; prefer specifics

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History Note

89

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • DNA or specific DNA (1972-1988)
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization (1972-1988)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D13.444w.600.223
  2. D27.505.259.750w.600.223
  3. D27.720.470.530w.600.223

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 58.5

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. DNA Probes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D015342. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D015342
  2. DNA Probes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50430203