Question

By using two oligonucleotides, we can measure the amount of quantity of DNA by measuring the amount of fluorescence. The first probe absorbs light and the second emits it at a particular wavelength.

(a) True

(b) False

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

My question comes from Modifications in PCR topic in section Polymerase Chain Reaction of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) True

To explain I would say: If two oilgonucleotides are used, which bind nearby to the target DNA help in quantifying the DNA. The first probe is meant for absorbing light and the second probe absorbs the light emitted by the first one and then re-emits it. DNA is quantified by measuring the fluorescence from the second probe and it is possible only when both the probes are close to each other i.e. they have bound to the location near the target DNA.