Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Assessment of DNA Contamination in RNA Samples Based on Ribosomal DNA
Published on: January 22, 2018
Ribosomal RNA: nature's own polymerase-amplified target for diagnosis
1Laboratory of Parasitic Disease, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
The technological criteria for diagnostic tests for tropical diseases are strict and limited. One method of considerable potential for field use is the exploitation of regions of species-specific sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Oligodeoxynucleotide probes can be used to detect the specific RNa regions in question. Andy Waters and Tom McCutchan describe how simple rRNA methodologies for Plasmodium can detect and identify parasites as well as follow different stages in their development. The potential of this methodology extends to monitoring both epidemiological parameters and the efficacy of novel drug regimes.
Related Concept Videos
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Bacterial RNA Polymerase
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Ribozymes
Ribozymes can be...
Real Time RT-PCR
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...
Ribosome Profiling
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...

