Question

Which one is not a nucleic acid based technique ?

• A. PCR
• B. LAMP
• C. FAME
• D. RFLP

Hint:

FAME stands for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester analysis, which identifies bacteria based on membrane lipids/fatty acids, whereas PCR, LAMP, and RFLP analyze DNA (nucleic acids).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Diagnostics in molecular biology and pathology utilize specific biomarkers, such as nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), lipids, or proteins, to identify pathogens and analyze genetic variations.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the listed analytical techniques:
1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) (A): A diagnostic technique that amplifies specific DNA segments, which is clearly a nucleic acid-based technique.
2. LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) (B): An isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique used to amplify DNA with high specificity and speed. Thus, it is nucleic acid-based.
3. RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) (D): Involves digesting genomic DNA using restriction enzymes to analyze genetic variations. Thus, it is nucleic acid-based.
4. FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) analysis (C): A chemotaxonomic technique used to identify microorganisms based on their unique cellular lipid and fatty acid profiles in their cell membranes. Fatty acids extracted from cell cultures are converted into methyl esters and analyzed quantitatively using Gas Chromatography (GC). This technique does not involve DNA or RNA, making it a lipid-based technique, not a nucleic acid-based technique.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, FAME is not a nucleic acid-based technique.