Diagnosis of Genetic Inherited Disease

Restriction enzymes recognize certain regions, or sequences, of the DNA. These are relatively short, and occur at multiple sites over the entire native genome. Some examples of restriction enzymes and their recognition sites are listed in Table 10.3. Cleavage of the double-stranded DNA occurs where the slashes (/) are shown in the recognition sequence. The names of the restriction enzymes are derived from the species from which they are isolated (e.g., Eco is E. coli) and contain further classification numbers. 

TABLE 10.3. Examples of Restriction Endonucleases and Their Recognition Sites 

Associate and reanneal I Visualize bands using with 32PcDNA probes I autoradiography 

Diagnostic RFLP methods employ DNA that is readily available from the white cells of patient blood samples. Forensic methods, on the other hand, use DNA samples of unpredictable (usually low) quantity furthermore, if the DNA sample is old and has been exposed to sunlight (UV radiation), the DNA may be present as cleaved fragments rather than intact genes. In such cases, the available DNA is amplified in concentration using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).10 PCR technology has revolutionized DNA analysis, and has made such general forensic tests feasible. 

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DNA biosensors are expected to be used for prenatal diagnosis of genetically inherited diseases, for rapid detection of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, for rapid paternity testing, identification of personal items, etc. These arguments have been recently reviewed [168]. 

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