Techniques Involved in Genetic Screening
Technologies Involved in Genetic Screening
- Chromosomal Analysis (karyotyping) - this process involves obtaining a sample of blood tissue and centrifuging it to separate the blood into its components. Once the transparent fluid is discarded, a solution is added. Once the WBC's spread apart, the solution is centrifuged again so that a sample of WBC's can be obtained and examined under a microscope. Once a picture of the chromosomes is taken, the chromosomes are sorted and analyzed for defects on chromosome structures.
- Analysis of Metabolites - substances in plasma/urine, such as various types of acids, can signify a variety of errors that could translate to various diseases.
- Analysis of Protein Structure - this technique is far more specific, as it involves the analysis of the structures of haemoglobin, immunoglobulin, etc. found in the body tissues, or enzymatic activity. Haemoglobin is the protein responsible for the transportation of oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream, whereas immunoglobulin is associated with the immune system responsible for attacking foreign bodies. Therefore, errors can be evident in either one of these proteins.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) -a technique that revolves around the concept of DNA replication of a certain. The sample of collected DNA is heated so that the bonds between the two strands can split apart (nucleotide bonds are weak due to H-bonding between them). Only the targeted sequence in the DNA is copied, and is often characteristic to the disease being examined. PCR uses primers to accomplish replication.
- Amniocentesis - taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the fetus and testing chromosomes to check for abnormalities or to determine the sex of the baby.
Technologies Involved in Genetic Screening
- Microscope: used to examine microscopic organisms, materials, or substances.
- Microarray Technology - a small glass slide that has thousands of spots where known DNA sequences are placed for analysis.
- Ultrasound - the use of sound waves that are reverberating off of tissues within the body and creating a detailed image on a screen. This technology is used primarily for amniocentesis, to locate the fetus in order to obtain amniotic fluid for genetic screening.
- Centrifuge - a technology that carries out the process of centrifugation through the use of centrifugal forces, which separate components in solutions
For further information, please visit:
“The Technology Behind Genetic Testing.” BioTech Primer, 8 November 2010. Web. 24 April 2015. < http://www.biotechprimerblog.com/2010/11/technology-behind-genetic-testing.html>
“Testing Methods.” Genetics and Social Science, NIH, n.d. Web. 24 April 2015. <http://www.nchpeg.org/bssr/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=82:methods&Itemid=111>