Analysis of Gene Expression: Northern Blotting

Messenger (m)RNAs represent the information-carrying intermediates for protein synthesis. Northern blotting gives a snapshot of the relative abundance of an RNA transcript at a set time point by measuring the steady-state levels of an RNA transcript. The steady-state level of a particular mRNA species is determined by its rate of production, degradation, and transport from the nucleus to cytoplasm. Northern blotting allows investigation and quantification of changes in gene expression.