How does random priming of DNA identify complementary sequences?

Prepare for the ASCP Molecular Biology (MB) Technologist Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

Random priming of DNA is a technique that utilizes hexamer primers with random sequences to initiate the synthesis of complementary DNA strands. This process is effective because these hexamer primers can bind to various complementary sequences present in the target DNA. Since hexamers are composed of all four nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) arranged in random sequences, they can anneal to multiple sites on the template DNA. This increases the likelihood of finding complementary regions, allowing for the amplification of diverse DNA fragments.

Once the random primers bind to any of the complementary sequences on the DNA template, DNA polymerases can elongate these primers, synthesizing new strands of DNA. This method is widely used in techniques like cDNA synthesis and can also facilitate the generation of labeled probes for various applications in molecular biology, enabling researchers to detect and quantify specific nucleic acid sequences.

The other options do not accurately describe the process involved in random priming. Specific primers are designed to match particular sequences, which contradicts the concept of random priming. Merely stating the use of DNA polymerases does not encompass the initial binding mechanism that is critical for random priming. Lastly, while labeled nucleotides are useful for detection, they do not contribute to

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