Probe

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-022230",
  "term": "Probe",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. To examine a subject in an interview in depth, using several questions.\n\n2. Also called sonde or tool; downhole well-logging instrument package.\n\n3. A probe is a single-stranded sequence of DNA or RNA used to search for its complementary sequence in a sample genome. The probe is placed into contact with the sample under conditions that allow the probe sequence to hybridize with its complementary sequence. The probe is labeled with a radioactive or chemical tag that allows its binding to be visualized. In a similar way, labeled antibodies are used to probe a sample for the presence of a specific protein.\n\n4. A specific, pre-fabricated sequence of DNA or RNA, labeled by one of several methods, used to detect the presence of a complementary sequence by binding (hybridizing) to that site.\n\n5. General term for a piece of DNA or RNA corresponding to a gene or sequence of interest, that has been labelled either radioactively or with some other detectable molecule, such as biotin, digoxygenin or fluorescein. As stretches of DNA or RNA with complementary sequences will hybridize, a probe will label viral plaques, bacterial colonies or bands on a gel that contain the gene of interest.",
  "subject": "Policy and guidance",
  "references": [
    "Program Evaluation Glossary",
    "Environmental Geophysics Glossary",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary",
    "National Cancer Institute Thesaurus"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/probe/"
}