What is a DNA array?
Thanks to Bioinformatics.Org member Ravi Jain for the following answer, which I present verbatim. DNA microarrays consist of thousands of immobilized DNA sequences present on a miniaturized surface the size of a business card or less. Arrays are used to analyze a sample for the presence of gene variations or mutations (genotyping), or for patterns of gene expression, performing the equivalent of ca. 5 000 to 10 000 individual “test tube” experiments in approximately two days of time. Robotic technology is employed in the preparation of most arrays. The DNA sequences are bound to a surface such as a nylon membrane or glass slide at precisely defined locations on a grid. Using an alternate method, some arrays are produced using laser lithographic processes and are referred to as biochips or gene chips. The composition of DNA on the arrays is of two general types: • Oligonucleotides or DNA fragments (approximately 20-25 nucleotide bases). These arrays are frequently used in genotyping exp
DNA microarrays consist of thousands of immobilized DNA sequences present on a miniaturized surface the size of a business card or less. Arrays are used to analyze a sample for the presence of gene variations or mutations (genotyping), or for patterns of gene expression, performing the equivalent of ca. 5 000 to 10 000 individual “test tube” experiments in approximately two days of time. Robotic technology is employed in the preparation of most arrays. The DNA sequences are bound to a surface such as a nylon membrane or glass slide at precisely defined locations on a grid. Using an alternate method, some arrays are produced using laser lithographic processes and are referred to as biochips or gene chips. The composition of DNA on the arrays is of two general types: Oligonucleotides or DNA fragments (approximately 20-25 nucleotide bases). These arrays are frequently used in genotyping experiments. The sequences of alternate gene forms may be included for detection of mutations or normal
