Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In the technique of DNA fingerprinting, transferring of separated DNA fragments to synthetic membranes is performed before hybridisation. Reason (R): Gel electrophoresis separates the digested DNA fragments according to their size. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate a

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is correct because in DNA fingerprinting, the separated DNA fragments are first transferred (blotted) onto synthetic membranes like nitrocellulose or nylon before they are hybridised with a labelled VNTR probe. Reason (R) is also correct because gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on their size due to the sieving effect of the gel. However, Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A). The transferring step is necessary to provide a sturdy solid support for the DNA fragmen