Molecular diagnostics · USMLE Step 1

In molecular diagnostics, which technique is commonly used to detect and quantify specific proteins (rather than nucleic acids)?

  1. PCR-based nucleic acid amplification
  2. DNA microarray hybridization analysis
  3. Western blotting with specific antibodies
  4. FISH with fluorescent DNA probes
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Correct answer: Western blotting with specific antibodies

Western blotting separates proteins by size via electrophoresis, transfers them to a membrane, and uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in a complex mixture — making it a standard protein-level diagnostic method.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 21

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