Nick translation is a process in biology that replaces certain molecules in DNA strands with new ones to produce a desired feature. This process is used for scientific procedures such as blotting and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Restriction enzymes are used to make cuts on the DNA sequence, and specific enzymes are used to repair the DNA with special nucleotides. The new DNA sequence is studied to see how it reacts to itself or other objects, and having these nucleotides labeled simplifies the process of tracking and studying the DNA strand. The nucleotides removed and replaced through translation of the nick are often referred to as “junk DNA”.
In the field of biology, nick translation is a process used to replace certain molecules that make up DNA strands with similar molecules that produce a specific, desired feature, often a feature that allows these molecules to be easily located and identified during a experiment. An enzyme known as DNA polymerase I causes certain DNA molecules, known as nucleotides, to be replaced with new nucleotides. The new nucleotides are specially collected by the scientists who carry out the experiment.
Often the translation of the nick is used for scientific procedures such as blotting. This involves isolating and examining strands of DNA to determine which nucleotides it is in, and then performing experiments on the particular strand of DNA. Knowing different DNA sequences can help isolate a mutation or create an antibody to fight a virus.
The nick translation process involves so-called restriction enzymes used to make cuts or “nicks” on the DNA sequence. A restriction enzyme is designed to cut a sequence of DNA at a specific location and is a type of defense mechanism used to destroy harmful viruses. Scientists put the restriction enzyme to work cutting up pieces of DNA so they could be replaced with new pieces.
Once the nicks are made, specific enzymes are used to repair the DNA with special nucleotides designed to facilitate the study of the DNA. Scientists study this new DNA sequence to see how it reacts to itself or other objects, and having these nucleotides labeled simplifies the process of tracking and studying the DNA strand. A common example is the insertion of labeled nucleotides that glow when placed under a black light, thus making them easy to spot.
Another common example of one of the many uses of nick translation is fluorescent in situ hybridization. This process allows a scientist to look for specific DNA sequences to see whether or not they are present in a DNA strand. Nick’s translation can give these DNA strands fluorescent properties so they glow, and the scientist can use this to help identify which DNA sequences are present and which are absent.
Nucleotides removed and then replaced through translation of the nick are often referred to as “junk DNA”. Scientists have not yet been able to find any purpose these DNA molecules serve. They appear to be broken and do not carry the code for any type of protein, as is typical of most useful DNA.
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