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NCI Dictionary of Genetics Terms

heteroduplex analysis

listen  (HEH-teh-roh-DOO-plex uh-NA-lih-sis)

A method of detecting sequence differences between normal DNA and the DNA to be tested. It is commonly used as a screening method to detect potential mutations in a gene.


DNA duplexes; drawing shows double-stranded homoduplex DNA with the normal binding of wild-type DNA sequences (labeled A-T and G-C). Drawing shows double-stranded heteroduplex DNA with two unpaired regions (labeled A-C and G-T).
DNA duplexes. Homoduplex DNA shows the normal binding of wild-type DNA sequences. Heteroduplex DNA shows unpaired regions, which are sites of possible mutations.