Which one of the following combinations of terms is
matched INCORRECTLY?
(1) Nanopore: DNA sequencing
(2) Pyrosequencing : Protein primary structure
(3) Homologous recombination : chloroplast transformation
(4) SSRS : Co-dominant markers SSRS

Incorrectly Matched Combination in Molecular Biology

In molecular biology, various techniques and processes are employed to study DNA, RNA, and protein structures. Understanding the correct association between these terms is crucial for interpreting experimental results and designing effective research protocols. Let’s analyze the given options to identify the incorrectly matched combination.

✅ Correct Answer: (2) Pyrosequencing : Protein primary structure

Analysis of the Given Options

(1) Nanopore: DNA Sequencing – ✅ Correct

• Nanopore sequencing is a third-generation DNA sequencing technology.
• It works by passing a DNA strand through a protein nanopore embedded in a synthetic membrane.
• As the DNA strand translocates through the pore, changes in electrical current are recorded and used to determine the sequence of nucleotides.
  ✔️ Accurate match

(2) Pyrosequencing: Protein Primary Structure – ❌ Incorrect

• Pyrosequencing is a DNA sequencing method, NOT a technique for determining protein structure.
• It is based on the detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) released during DNA polymerization.
• Pyrosequencing is used for:
  • DNA methylation analysis
  • SNP genotyping
  • Small genome sequencing
    ❌ Incorrect match

(3) Homologous Recombination: Chloroplast Transformation – ✅ Correct

• Homologous recombination is a process in which nucleotide sequences are exchanged between similar or identical strands of DNA.
• Chloroplast transformation relies on homologous recombination to integrate foreign DNA into the chloroplast genome.
• This is useful in producing genetically modified plants with traits such as:
  • Herbicide resistance
  • Disease resistance
    ✔️ Accurate match

(4) SSRS: Co-Dominant Markers – ✅ Correct

• SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) are short, repeated nucleotide sequences (e.g., AGAGAGAG).
• They are widely used as co-dominant markers in genetic mapping and parentage analysis.
• Co-dominant markers allow for the differentiation of homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.
  ✔️ Accurate match

Why Pyrosequencing is Incorrectly Matched with Protein Primary Structure

🔬 Pyrosequencing

• Pyrosequencing is a DNA-based technique that measures the release of pyrophosphate during nucleotide incorporation.
• It is NOT used for protein sequencing — protein primary structure is typically determined by methods like:
  • Edman Degradation – Sequential removal of amino acids from the N-terminal.
  • Mass Spectrometry – Measures the mass of peptide fragments to identify protein sequences.

Correct Matching for Protein Primary Structure

• The primary structure of proteins (sequence of amino acids) is determined by:
  • Edman degradation
  • Mass spectrometry
  • X-ray crystallography
  • NMR spectroscopy

Summary of Correct and Incorrect Matches

Why Understanding the Correct Match Matters

1. Experimental Accuracy:

   • Choosing the right technique ensures reproducibility and accuracy of experimental outcomes.

2. Molecular Biology Applications:

   • Correct interpretation of sequencing data and genetic mapping.
   • Proper identification of protein and DNA structures.

3. Research Optimization:

   • Efficient use of resources in genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic research.

Techniques for Protein Primary Structure Determination

Conclusion

The incorrectly matched combination is (2) Pyrosequencing: Protein Primary Structure. Pyrosequencing is a DNA sequencing method, not a protein sequencing technique. Understanding the correct association between molecular biology terms ensures precise experimental design and accurate data interpretation.

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