DNA Microarray Technology For Genes Examination

Microarray is a multi-purpose technology used for genetic expression of thousands of genes. The machine examines the genes that may be known or unknown. Besides this, the technology can also be used for DNA homology examination to detect polymorphism and transmutations in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomic DNA.

Precisely, DNA microarray can be defined as an organized arrangement of recognized and orderly genes that are printed on water-resistant firm support. Glass or silicon chips are an example of solid support that can be used for this purpose. Every recognized and sequenced gene matches with a fragment of DNA.

DNA microarray glass slide might comprise of spots, each represents a single gene and collectively an organism’s genome.

Types of DNA

Presently, there are two types of DNA microarrays commercially available.

1. Glass DNA microarrays: These comprise of micro spotted fragments of DNA before fabrication on the slide.

2. Oligonucleotide microarrays: these are also known as chips.

There are some basic differences between the two types of DNA mentioned above. These differences are in respect to the dimension of printed DNA, the procedures of printing DNA and the images of data produced.

Glass Complementary DNA Microarray

These Glass cDNA microarrays use especially produced glass slides with preferred physical and chemical characteristics. Glass cDNA can hold from 10,000 to 20,000 genes on a capacity of 3.6cm^2 glass slide.

Advantages of Using cDNA

Glass cDNA microarrays are comparatively affordable. They are feasible and affordable. It is convenient and accessible in use. Moreover, a glass cDNA does not require certain equipment for use. Therefore, this type of DNA is very flexible for use. Lastly, the performance of these is also superior in terms of improved detection.

Disadvantages of Using cDNA

It is labor intensive. Purification and synthesizing requires manpower before the fabrication procedure. Microarrays can be expensive because they need more printing equipment.

Oligonucleotide Microarray DNA

It is a very sophisticated type of technology. It is produced using in situ technology.

Advantages of Oligonucleotide

Oligonucleotide is speedy, specific and has the ability to reproduce. Speed is a primary advantage of this technology, as it takes almost no time in handling the cDNA. Also the accuracy of oligonucleotides minimizes the likelihood of mixing and reduces contamination and impurity.

Disadvantages of Oligonucleotide

There are several practical limitations of the in situ oligonucleotide with respect to affordability and flexibility. The in situ oligonucleotide array technology has costly and specialized equipment to carry out the procedure of hybridization, washing, etc. Furthermore, ready-made Gene Chips are high-priced. Lastly, diminished sensitivity compared to the glass cDNA microarrays.

Application of Microarray technology

There is an enormous range of applications for microarray technology. Only two applications of microarray technology are discussed in detail below. The two distinct ways of application of microarray technology are as follows:

• Gene expression profiling: this is to gauge the expression of genes among different cell types.

• Comparative genomics: this is to examine genomic modifications for example their arrangements.

This is how microarray can be put to use in gene examination.

Scott Barclay is a genetic engineer specialist. He is an expert in the field and has experimented with the technology in various ways ensuring proper implementation of the printer. He suggests good microarray printer companies like arrayjet.co.uk for best products.