A probe which is a molecule used to locate specific sequence in a mixture of DNA or RNA molecules could be

Options

A. a single stranded RNA
B. a single stranded DNA
C. either RNA or DNA
D. can be ssDNA but not ssRNA

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the type of probe used to locate specific sequences in a mixture of DNA or RNA molecules, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Concept of a Probe**:
- A probe, in the context of molecular biology, is a molecule that can bind to a specific sequence of DNA or RNA. Probes are typically used to identify or locate specific sequences within a mixture of nucleic acids.

2. **Types of Probes**:
- Probes can be made from either single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). Both types can be used effectively to locate specific sequences.

3. **Functionality of Probes**:
- The functionality of a probe is based on its complementary base pairing with the target sequence. This means that a DNA probe will bind to a complementary DNA sequence, and an RNA probe will bind to a complementary RNA sequence.

4. **Application in Genetic Engineering**:
- Probes are widely used in genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques such as hybridization, where they help in detecting specific genes or sequences of interest.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Given the options in the question, we need to determine which types of probes can be used:
- Single-stranded RNA
- Single-stranded DNA
- Either RNA or DNA
- Single-stranded DNA but not single-stranded RNA

6. **Selecting the Correct Answer**:
- Since probes can be either single-stranded RNA or single-stranded DNA, the correct answer is "either RNA or DNA".

### Final Answer:
The correct option is **C: either RNA or DNA**.

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