What is the purpose of Test arrays?
The test arrays are a much smaller array than the full transcriptome arrays. The test arrays are intended for pilot experiments to optimize experimental conditions and are identical to the comprehensive transcriptome microarrays except that they contain only 196 spots. The test arrays include 24 Drosophila genes and the same controls spotted on full transcriptome arrays (Act5C, spotting buffer only, exogenous targets serving as negative controls or spiking controls, and the exogenous markers GAL4, lacZ and FLP). The test arrays are produced using the same protocols as the comprehensive amplicon arrays so that experimental conditions optimized using the test arrays will translate directly to the full amplicon arrays.
