16S rRNA
- 16S rRNA molecules of different bacteria vary in their RNA sequences and are therefore ideal for their identification.
- These variable regions are used for developing probes that are specific to the bacterial species of interest. In a sample with many different bacterial species, a specific probe will bind only to its target rRNA sequence.
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The probes are marked with a fluorescent dye so the bacterial cells that are labeled by the probe become clearly visible under fluorescent light.
