Summary
Techniques detecting specific DNA, RNA or proteins after separation and transfer to a membrane.
In depth
Southern (Edwin Southern) detects DNA with a labelled probe; Northern detects RNA; Western detects protein using antibodies. All involve separation by gel, transfer to a membrane and detection.
Transfer is done by capillary action or electroblotting. Probes are labelled radioactively or with fluorescence. Western detection uses a primary antibody and an enzyme-labelled secondary.
Remember: the names do not mean the same person; only Southern is named after a scientist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Southern, Northern and Western Blots?
Techniques detecting specific DNA, RNA or proteins after separation and transfer to a membrane.
Which area of biology covers Southern, Northern and Western Blots, and how advanced is it?
Southern, Northern and Western Blots is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Polymerase Chain Reaction, Proteomics, Liquid Biopsy.
Can you give an example of Southern, Northern and Western Blots?
HIV diagnosis used Western blots.
What should I learn before Southern, Northern and Western Blots?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Southern, Northern and Western Blots. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Southern, Northern and Western Blots?
The closest topics to Southern, Northern and Western Blots are Polymerase Chain Reaction, Proteomics, Liquid Biopsy, DNA Microarrays. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Southern, Northern and Western Blots?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Southern, Northern and Western Blots. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Southern, Northern and Western Blots different from Polymerase Chain Reaction?
Southern, Northern and Western Blots: Techniques detecting specific DNA, RNA or proteins after separation and transfer to a membrane. Polymerase Chain Reaction: Repeated cycles of denaturing, annealing and extending exponentially amplify a target DNA region. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Southern, Northern and Western Blots step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Polymerase Chain Reaction and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.