An Introduction to DNA Microarrays

A DNA Microarray, also known as a biochip or gene chip, is a set of miniaturized test sites that allow scientists to perform hundreds to thousands of analyses or tests simultaneously. The sample spots for the gene chips are less than 200 microns in diameter. The ease and speed of use makes DNA Microarrays a successful tool for diagnostic development of drugs for both veterinary and human medicine.

Measure Expression Levels

• Scientists use DNA microarrays to measure the change in expression levels of genes. Gene expression occurs when the ribonucleic acid (RNA) or protein in the gene is being produced. Each gene has a distinct expression profile that is made up of all of the gene's proteins in the "on" or "off" position. By understanding a gene's profile, scientists can determine what part they play in various illnesses like cancer, diabetes or even obesity.

Detect SNPs

• SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of DNA sequence variance in humans. DNA sequence variance is when one of the nucleotides of the genome, Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine or Guanine also known as A, T, C, G differs in a species. Molecular biologists use biochips to detect and map SNPs to better understand how they may impact DNA development and how individuals may respond to disease or other environmental factors because of those variations.

Genotype Mutant Genomes

• Researchers use DNA microarrays to genotype entire strands of DNA. When researchers genotype a strand of DNA, they determine the exact sequence of the nucleotides A, T, C and G. By understanding the exact sequence of DNA across a specifies, scientists can then look for genetic causes for common behaviors or diseases.

Genechip Manufacturer

• Affymetrix is the leading biotechnology company that manufactures and develops DNA microarrays. The company partners with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic customers around the globe to develop biochip technologies for drug discovery.