What is the expected output from a Southern Blot experiment?

The expected output from a Southern Blot experiment is a pattern indicating the presence of specific DNA sequences. This method is used to detect specific DNA fragments that have been separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and then transferred to a membrane for hybridization with labeled probes.

During the Southern Blot procedure, DNA is extracted from a sample, digested with restriction enzymes, and separated by size through gel electrophoresis. After transferring the fragments onto a membrane, a probe that is complementary to the target DNA sequence is used to hybridize with any matching DNA fragments. After washing away any non-specifically bound probes, the presence of the target DNA can be visualized, typically as bands on the membrane, depending on the presence and quantity of the specific sequences in the original sample.

This output is crucial for various applications, such as gene mapping, detecting genetic mutations, or diagnosing genetic disorders. The other options do not apply to the Southern Blot technique: mRNA is produced during transcription and would be associated with a Northern Blot; a gene expression profile is assessed by other techniques such as microarrays or qPCR; and a list of amino acids pertains to protein sequencing or analysis rather than DNA detection.