1. Which of the following technique is most suitable to demonstrate that particular RNAs that are important for development are located in distinct regions off the Drosophila embryo ?

A. Western blotting
B. Northern blotting
C. In situ hybridization
D. In vitro translation

Best Technique to Locate Developmental RNAs in Drosophila Embryo

Technique to Locate Developmental RNAs is In Situ Hybridization: The Most Suitable Technique for RNA Localization

In developmental biology, understanding the spatial distribution of specific RNAs is crucial to deciphering gene expression patterns. Among the techniques available—Western blotting, Northern blotting, In situ hybridization, and In vitro translation—the most suitable method for demonstrating the localization of RNAs in distinct regions of the Drosophila embryo is In situ hybridization (ISH).

Why In Situ Hybridization?

In situ hybridization is a molecular technique used to detect specific RNA or DNA sequences within tissue sections or whole embryos. This method involves hybridizing a labeled complementary probe (DNA or RNA) to the target RNA within cells, thereby allowing visualization of spatial expression patterns.

1. Spatial Resolution:

   • Unlike Northern blotting, which provides only quantitative data without spatial context, ISH allows visualization of where the RNA is localized within the embryo.

2. High Specificity:

   • The technique employs complementary probes that specifically bind to the RNA of interest, ensuring accuracy in detection.

3. Single-Cell Resolution:

   • ISH can pinpoint RNA localization at the single-cell level, making it an ideal choice for studying early development in Drosophila.

4. Application in Developmental Biology:

   • Many Drosophila genes, like bicoid (bcd) and nanos (nos), exhibit region-specific expression crucial for axis formation. ISH helps map these RNAs in the embryo, providing critical insights into their function.

Why Other Techniques Are Less Suitable?

• Western Blotting: Detects proteins, not RNA, making it irrelevant in this context.
• Northern Blotting: Detects RNA but lacks spatial resolution.
• In Vitro Translation: Analyzes protein synthesis but does not provide RNA localization data.

Conclusion

For detecting and visualizing RNAs crucial for Drosophila embryonic development, In situ hybridization (ISH) is the most appropriate technique due to its spatial specificity, high resolution, and ability to provide direct localization insights.