thin-layer chromatography is first used to separate the lipids by physical and chemical characteristics, then transferred to a blotting matrix before the oligosaccharides are detected by a specific binding protein (i.e. antibodies or lectins). Northern blot The northern blot is for the detection of specific RNA sequences in complex samples. Northern blotting first separates samples by size via gel electrophoresis before they are transferred to a blotting matrix and detected with labeled RNA probes. Reverse northern blot The reverse northern blot differs from both northern and Southern blot in that DNA is first immobilized on a blotting matrix and specific sequences are detected with labeled RNA probes. Dot blot A dot blot is a special case of any of the above blots where the analyte is added directly to the blotting matrix (and appears as a "dot") as opposed to separating the sample by electrophoresis prior to blotting. List of blots Southern blot for DNA northern blot for RNA reverse northern blot for RNA western blot for proteins far-western blot for protein–protein interactions eastern blot for post-translational modification far-eastern blot for glycolipids dot blot See also Immunoscreening References Molecular biology Laboratory techniques