Why must double-stranded DNA probes be denatured when used in northern blot experiments?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Double-stranded DNA probes must be denatured to ensure that the DNA coding strand hybridizes to RNA on the membrane. Once denatured, the probe will become single-stranded and can hybridize to complementary RNA on the membrane. The denaturation process also allows the probe to be properly radioactively labeled or tagged with a dye, but the main reason is to ensure hybridization to the RNA. Both DNA strands do not necessarily need to bind the single-stranded RNA on the membrane, making option C incorrect. Option D incorrectly lists all of the reasons, when only one reason is the primary purpose. Option E is incorrect because denaturation is necessary for northern blot experiments.

Why Must Double-Stranded DNA Probes Be Denatured When Used in Northern