Question

What is the term used for a DNA or RNA segment tagged with a radioactive molecule?

• A. Probe
• B. Vector
• C. Clone
• D. Plasmid

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Probe

The correct option is option A.

Explanation for correct option:

1. A hybridization probe is a segment of RNA or DNA that can be labeled fluorescently or radioactively.
2. It is $15$ to $10,000$ nucleotides long.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option B:

1. A vector is a particle used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign DNA into another cell, where it can be expressed or replicated.

Option C:

1. A clone is a cell or organism which is identical to the parent cell genetically.

Option D:

1. A plasmid is a short, extrachromosomal DNA within a cell that can replicate independently.

Final answer: The term used for a DNA or RNA segment tagged with a radioactive molecule is a probe.