Practice question
Question
Which of these is used to analyze gross chromosomal rearrangements like translocations?
Explanation
Multiplex FISH, or M-FISH, extends conventional FISH by using combinatorial labeling of whole-chromosome painting probes with distinct fluorochrome combinations, generating a unique spectral signature for each chromosome. This 24-color karyotyping allows simultaneous visualization of all chromosomes in different hues. Gross abnormalities such as reciprocal translocations, dicentric chromosomes, insertions, and complex rearrangements, which are difficult to resolve with single-locus probes or DNA microarrays and are not detectable by RAPD or RT-PCR, become readily identifiable as color junctions or abnormal color patterns on metaphase spreads.