Single-strand conformation polymorphism

Under SSCP ( single english beach conformation polymorphism ) refers to a molecular detection method, which characterizes the composition and changes of microbial communities. It is one of the molecular " fingerprint" methods.

Procedure: Using a sample of a DNA extraction is performed, whereby the DNA of the community is obtained. With this, a PCR is performed by universal primers for the 16S rRNA. This is on the one side by a universal reverse primer with phosphate group and on the other side by a universal forward primer. The resulting PCR in the DNA double strands are digested with a lambda exonuclease, leaving only single strands of DNA remain without phosphate group on. With the single strands now a gel electrophoresis takes place. After staining (for example, with silver staining ) of the DNA in the gel individual bands can be excised, cloned and sequenced from the gel.

Advantages of molecular " fingerprint" methods: • possibility of simultaneous analysis of a large number of samples • Complex population dynamics of microorganisms can be detected

Disadvantage of molecular " fingerprint" methods: • It only indexes groups of microorganisms, constitutes its DNA accounted for over 10 % of the original sample

• Molecular Biology