southern blot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (Technical/Scientific)Highly technical; used almost exclusively in molecular biology, genetics, and related academic/research contexts.
Quick answer
What does “southern blot” mean?
A laboratory technique used in molecular biology to detect specific DNA sequences within a DNA sample.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A laboratory technique used in molecular biology to detect specific DNA sequences within a DNA sample.
A specific type of blotting analysis, named after its inventor Edwin Southern, where DNA fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a membrane, and probed with a labeled complementary sequence to identify target DNA.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English in technical contexts. Spelling remains 'southern blot' in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations. It is an international standard term in science.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields. The word 'blot' in everyday language is more common, but this specific compound is rare outside labs.
Grammar
How to Use “southern blot” in a Sentence
to perform a southern blot (on something)to analyse/analyze something by southern blotto probe a membrane with a southern blotThe DNA was subjected to southern blot analysis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “southern blot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab will southern blot the genomic DNA tomorrow.
- We need to southern blot these samples to confirm the integration.
American English
- The researcher decided to Southern blot the PCR products.
- After digestion, the DNA was Southern blotted and probed.
adverb
British English
- The DNA was analysed southern-blot-wise. (Highly contrived, not standard)
- Not applicable.
American English
- The sample was processed in a Southern-blot-like manner. (Contrived)
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The southern blot data was conclusive.
- Follow the southern blot protocol precisely.
American English
- The Southern blot analysis confirmed the genotype.
- We used a standard Southern blot membrane.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary and only context. Used in lab protocols, research discussions, and scientific journals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “southern blot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “southern blot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “southern blot”
- Capitalizing 'southern' as it's a proper name (correct: Southern blot).
- Using 'southern blot' as a verb (it's a noun; correct: 'to perform a Southern blot').
- Confusing it with other blotting techniques (Northern, Western).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was invented by the British biologist Edwin Southern in 1975.
Yes, it is a proper noun derived from the inventor's surname, so it is conventionally capitalized (Southern blot).
A Southern blot detects specific DNA sequences, while a Western blot detects specific proteins.
Yes, though often supplemented or replaced by newer techniques like PCR and sequencing for some applications, it remains a fundamental and gold-standard technique for certain types of genetic analysis, such as checking for gene insertions or rearrangements.
A laboratory technique used in molecular biology to detect specific DNA sequences within a DNA sample.
Southern blot is usually highly technical; used almost exclusively in molecular biology, genetics, and related academic/research contexts. in register.
Southern blot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌð.ən ˈblɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌð.ɚn ˈblɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Run a Southern" (highly informal lab slang)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Edwin **Southern** who invented the method to find DNA, and **blot** as in transferring a pattern onto a membrane, like blotting ink.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DNA 'fingerprint' or a 'wanted poster' for a specific gene, where the gel is the lineup and the probe is the detective identifying the target.
Practice
Quiz
What does a Southern blot specifically detect?