A Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) Procedure Has Been Performed on a Patient

question 14

Multiple Choice

A single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) procedure has been performed on a patient sample, and the results were compared with those from a normal reference sample. The patient bands resolved in different locations on the gel as compared with the reference bands. These results would be interpreted as which of the following?

• A) The patient sample is normal.
• B) The patient has a mutation in the targeted region.
• C) The results are invalid.
• D) The patient sample is a mixture of normal and mutated sequences.

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Definitions:

Hypothetical

Based on or serving as a hypothesis, a supposed but unproven premise or supposition used as the basis for further reasoning.

Disjunctive

A logical term referring to a choice between alternatives, often expressed in the format "A or B".

Syllogism

A form of logical reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each sharing a common or middle term not present in the conclusion.

Hypothetical Syllogism

A form of logical argument where two conditional statements lead to a conclusion, if P then Q; if Q then R; therefore, if P then R.