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Multiple Choice
Which of the following techniques can be used to determine the general location of radioactively labeled DNA?
A
X-ray crystallography
B
Autoradiography
C
Mass spectrometry
D
NMR spectroscopy
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of each technique: X-ray crystallography is used to determine the 3D structure of molecules, Mass spectrometry is used to determine the mass and composition of molecules, and NMR spectroscopy is used to determine the structure of organic compounds.
Recognize that autoradiography is a technique specifically used to detect radioactive isotopes within a sample, making it suitable for locating radioactively labeled DNA.
Consider the nature of the sample: Radioactively labeled DNA emits radiation, which can be detected by autoradiography, as it involves exposing a photographic film to the radiation emitted by the sample.
Eliminate techniques that do not involve detection of radioactivity: X-ray crystallography, Mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy do not inherently detect radioactivity.
Conclude that autoradiography is the appropriate technique for determining the general location of radioactively labeled DNA, as it directly visualizes the distribution of radioactive material.