Structural analysis of DNA by autoradiography

During the past 10 years, molecular biology has rapidly been developing owing to easy structural analysis of DNA, a fundamental substance involved in life function. The application of highly sensitive RI with the production of large amounts of DNA and with no change in the chemical property of the substance to be tested has greatly contributed to molecular biology. For the development of life science and biotechnology, it is essential to analyze basic arrangement of DNA, identify genes, predict amino acid arrangement of proteins, and clarify regulation mechanism involved in genes. To understand DNA function sufficiently, analysis of secondary or tertiary structure, as well as primary structure of DNA, is extremely important. In this paper, the primary DNA structural analysis is provided in relation to RI application. Structural analysis of DNA can be classified into (1) hybridization method and (2) basic arrangement determination method. The application of DNA analysis is discussed in terms of the following: (1) varified analysis of the antibody, (2) isolation and analysis of carcinogenic genes, and (3) gene diagnosis. There is a problem with manual process in the structural analysis of DNA. Currently, automatic apparatuses for extraction, purification, reaction, isolation, and detection of DNA have been developing. (N.K.)