The following are their specific applications in different fields:
Medical Diagnosis
Pathogen Detection These kits can be used to extract the nucleic acids of pathogens from patient samples such as blood, sputum, and throat swabs. For example, nucleic acids of pathogens like the novel coronavirus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus can be extracted. By detecting specific nucleic acid sequences, it can be determined whether the patient is infected with the pathogen, enabling early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
Genetic Disease Diagnosis DNA is extracted from the patient’s blood or tissue samples to detect gene mutations or deletions related to genetic diseases. This is applied in the prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia, as well as in carrier screening, providing a basis for genetic counseling and reproductive decision – making.
Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring Nucleic acids are extracted from tumor tissues or blood to analyze mutations and methylation status of cancer – related genes. This is used for early cancer diagnosis, typing, prognosis assessment, and efficacy monitoring during treatment, guiding the formulation of personalized treatment plans.
Scientific Research
Gene Expression Analysis RNA is extracted from cell or tissue samples, reverse – transcribed into cDNA, and then techniques such as real – time fluorescence quantitative PCR and gene chips are used to study changes in gene expression levels under different physiological conditions, disease states, or after drug treatment. This helps to uncover gene functions and the mechanisms of disease occurrence.
Genomics Research High – quality genomic DNA is extracted for whole – genome sequencing, genomic library construction, gene cloning, and other research. This is to understand the genomic structure, gene composition, and genetic information transfer laws of organisms, promoting the development of genetics and molecular biology.
Molecular Evolution Research By extracting nucleic acids from different species or different populations of the same species, the differences and similarities in gene sequences are compared to analyze the evolutionary relationships, genetic diversity, and population structure of species. This provides molecular – level evidence for the study of biological evolution theories.
Agricultural Field
Plant Disease Detection Nucleic acids are extracted from plant tissues infected with diseases to detect the specific nucleic acid sequences of pathogenic bacteria. This can quickly and accurately diagnose plant diseases such as wheat stripe rust and tomato late blight, helping to take timely prevention and control measures and reduce agricultural losses.
Seed Purity Identification Nucleic acids are extracted from seeds of different varieties, and molecular marker techniques are used to analyze the DNA fingerprinting of seeds, identifying the purity and authenticity of seeds. This ensures seed quality and safeguards the safety of agricultural production and the interests of farmers.
Animal Disease Monitoring Nucleic acids are extracted from samples such as blood, tissues, and feces of farm animals to detect the nucleic acids of common animal disease pathogens, such as avian influenza virus and classical swine fever virus. This enables early warning and prevention of animal diseases, ensuring the healthy development of the livestock industry.
Food Testing
Detection of Genetically Modified Ingredients Nucleic acids are extracted from food samples, and techniques such as PCR are used to detect whether there are specific nucleic acid sequences of genetically modified organisms. This is for the labeling and supervision of genetically modified foods, protecting consumers’ right to know and choose.
Microbial Detection Nucleic acids of microorganisms are extracted from food samples to detect harmful microorganisms in food, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. This assesses the hygiene quality and safety of food and prevents the occurrence of food – borne diseases.