In nanoparticle probe technology, which step follows PCR amplification?

In nanoparticle probe technology, which step follows PCR amplification?

• A. Growth
• B. Nucleic acid extraction
• C. Hybridization of target DNA
• D. Signal amplification

Answer: (C)

In nanoparticle probe assays, detection hinges on sequence-specific binding between the amplified DNA and probes attached to the nanoparticles. After PCR amplifies the target, the next essential step is hybridization of the amplified target with complementary sequences on the nanoparticle probes. This binding creates a stable target–probe complex on the nanoparticle surface, which then allows the signal to be generated or amplified for detection. Growth and pre-PCR nucleic acid extraction occur earlier in the workflow or as cleanup steps, so they are not the immediate post-amplification step. The hybridization step is correct because the assay relies on the amplicon pairing specifically with the nanoparticle-bound probes to achieve selective detection.

In nanoparticle probe assays, detection hinges on sequence-specific binding between the amplified DNA and probes attached to the nanoparticles. After PCR amplifies the target, the next essential step is hybridization of the amplified target with complementary sequences on the nanoparticle probes. This binding creates a stable target–probe complex on the nanoparticle surface, which then allows the signal to be generated or amplified for detection. Growth and pre-PCR nucleic acid extraction occur earlier in the workflow or as cleanup steps, so they are not the immediate post-amplification step. The hybridization step is correct because the assay relies on the amplicon pairing specifically with the nanoparticle-bound probes to achieve selective detection.