Hybridization Technique

                         In this technique, a probe of known sequence is capable of recognizing a specific DNA sequence in a mixture of many different DNA sequences. The probe can be a synthetic oligonucleotide, a peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a DNA sequence, an RNA sequence, or DNA-based drugs such as DNA vaccines, antisense DNA, protein-binding oligonucleotides, and ribozymes. 

                          The probe is generally labeled with a fluorochrome that can be detected after the hybridization takes place. In a DNA hybridization assay, the sample DNA is heated to separate the two DNA strands and then exposed to the probe. The degree of DNA sequence identity is detected through a hybridization reaction between the DNA and the probe. 

                         The hybridization products are then resolved by CGE. This method has applications in such diverse areas as analysis of pooled genomic DNA samples, detection of mutations, screening of populations for polymorphisms, and identification of species in environmental mixtures.