Microarray technology

Definition

Microarray technology is a powerful tool used to analyze gene expression across thousands of genes simultaneously. It allows researchers to monitor the activity of multiple genes at once, providing insights into cellular processes and the effects of various treatments on gene expression patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Microarray technology utilizes small glass or silicon chips that are spotted with thousands of DNA probes to detect specific gene expressions.
2. The process involves labeling cDNA with fluorescent dyes, which allows for the detection of hybridization events on the microarray.
3. Data obtained from microarrays can be analyzed using various software tools, providing insights into gene regulation and pathways involved in diseases.
4. Microarrays can be used not only for studying gene expression but also for genotyping, detecting mutations, and analyzing genetic variations across different samples.
5. Applications of microarray technology include cancer research, drug discovery, and understanding complex diseases by identifying gene expression profiles.

Review Questions

• How does microarray technology enable researchers to study gene expression patterns in cells?
  • Microarray technology enables researchers to study gene expression patterns by allowing simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes on a single chip. This is accomplished through the hybridization of labeled cDNA to complementary DNA probes fixed on the microarray surface. The fluorescent signals produced indicate the level of gene expression, helping scientists understand how different genes are regulated in response to various conditions.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of using microarray technology in functional genomics research.
  • Microarray technology offers several advantages, including high throughput analysis, the ability to examine multiple genes simultaneously, and relatively low costs compared to other genomic technologies. However, it also has limitations such as potential issues with cross-hybridization leading to false positives, limited dynamic range for detecting expression levels, and a reliance on pre-existing knowledge of the genome for probe design. These factors must be considered when interpreting results from microarray studies.
• Evaluate how microarray technology contributes to advancements in personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
  • Microarray technology plays a crucial role in advancing personalized medicine by enabling the identification of specific gene expression profiles associated with individual patient responses to treatments. By analyzing how different patients express genes related to disease processes, clinicians can tailor therapies that target those specific pathways. This leads to more effective treatments and minimizes side effects, making it possible to develop targeted therapies that align closely with a patient’s unique genetic makeup.

Related terms

Gene Expression Profiling: A technique used to measure the activity levels of multiple genes at once, often using microarrays or RNA sequencing.

cDNA: Complementary DNA synthesized from a messenger RNA (mRNA) template, often used in microarray experiments to study gene expression.

Hybridization: The process by which complementary strands of nucleic acids bind to each other, essential for the function of microarrays.