What is the difference between Probe and Primer? (Biotechnology)?

Question

What is the difference between Probe and Primer? (Biotechnology)?

Answer 1

A probe is a section of DNA that is meant to adhere to its opposite strand of DNA.  Generally, probes are designed to contain a sequence that is species-specific, and probes are generally chemically labeled.  That way, if the target sequence is binded, the technologist can conclude that the particular species of interest is found in the sample.

A primer works like a probe, in that it also adheres to a strand of DNA, but it is generally not labeled, and it is used as a substrate to transcribe the remaining sequence from the larger strand of DNA, often for PCR (polymerase chain reaction).  PCR produces multiple copies of a particular genetic sequence, and can be used for diagnostic purposes, since it amplifies the number of DNA copies found in the sample, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the test.