What does the Southern Blotting technique primarily detect?

The Southern Blotting technique is specifically designed to detect particular DNA sequences within a complex mixture of genomic DNA. This method involves the separation of DNA fragments by gel electrophoresis, followed by transfer to a membrane and hybridization with labeled DNA probes that are complementary to the target sequence. The probes allow for the identification and localization of the specific DNA sequence of interest.

In contrast, techniques such as Northern Blotting are used for detecting RNA sequences, while Western Blotting focuses on protein analysis. Gene mutations can sometimes be inferred through Southern Blotting results if they lead to changes in fragment size or hybridization patterns, but the primary function of this technique is the direct detection of specific DNA sequences rather than mutations per se. Thus, the focus on detecting specific DNA sequences makes the selection of the correct answer evident.