Genomic dna hybridization probe and immunoenzymatic color pigment detection assay

Abstract

A method for detecting the presence of micronuclei in cells of an organism comprises the steps of (a) isolating cells of the organism, (b) exposing the cells to a hybridization probe, the hybridization probe comprising digested, labeled whole genomic DNA, the digested genomic DNA being labeled with a first binding member capable of specifically binding with a second binding member, whereby, as a result of exposing the cells to the hybridization probe, the hybridization probe binds hybridizes with DNA in the cells, including DNA contained in micronuclei, if present, (c) exposing the cells to a compound comprising the second binding member coupled to an enzyme capable of reacting with a chromogenic substrate to convert the chromogenic substrate into a colored pigment, whereby, as a result of exposing the cells to the compound, the compound binds to the hybridization probe that is hybridized with the DNA in the cells, (d) exposing the cells to the chromogenic substrate, whereby the chromogenic substrate is converted into a colored pigment in the presence of the enzyme, and (e) examining the cells and scoring the cells for the presence or absence of micronuclei.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.