Enzymatic Labeling of Nucleic Acids

Extensive knowledge of the enzymology involved in biosynthesis and degradation of nucleic acids has permitted the development of simple methods for labeling RNA and DNA with radioisotopes or biotin. These labeled probes are used primarily for hybridization to nucleic acid fragments of interest in a variety of applications. A complete description of the methods available for such labeling is beyond the scope of this manual, but contained within this unit are protocols for oligonucleotide‐primed synthesis of radiolabeled and biotinylated DNA probes, in vitro synthesis of radiolabeled RNA, and end labeling of synthetic oligonucleotide probes.