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Assume that a unique sequence in the rRNA gene from this novel group of Archaea

ID: 277613 • Letter: A

Question

Assume that a unique sequence in the rRNA gene from this novel group of Archaea can be found. Which combination of techniques would be most useful to determine in one trial whether cells from this novel group are present and, if so, what the cellular morphology is?

d. denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with fluorescence microscopy

Hint 1. Identifying cell types of interest in environmental samples

Typically, environmental samples have a variety of different cell types present. Once some genetic information is obtained, it may be possible to develop probes that will bind to nucleic acid sequences that are unique to the cell type of interest and that will, therefore, react only with those specific cells.

Hint 2. Fluorescence

A fluorescent molecule is one that is excited by a high-energy wavelength (usually in the ultraviolet range) and emits a longer wavelength of light as excited electrons return to their original state.

a. fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with phase-contrast microscopy b. fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with fluorescence microscopy c. denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with phase-contrast microscopy

d. denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with fluorescence microscopy

Hint 1. Identifying cell types of interest in environmental samples

Typically, environmental samples have a variety of different cell types present. Once some genetic information is obtained, it may be possible to develop probes that will bind to nucleic acid sequences that are unique to the cell type of interest and that will, therefore, react only with those specific cells.

Hint 2. Fluorescence

A fluorescent molecule is one that is excited by a high-energy wavelength (usually in the ultraviolet range) and emits a longer wavelength of light as excited electrons return to their original state.

Explanation / Answer

Which combination of techniques would be most useful to determine in one trial whether cells from this novel group are present and, if so, what the cellular morphology is?

A) Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with phase-contrast microscopy

If we want to study the cellular morphology, I would rather choose phase-contrast microscopy instead of fluorescence microscopy.