Microarrays

Microarrays are a powerful tool in genomics that allow for the simultaneous measurement of the expression levels of thousands of genes. They consist of a solid surface, such as a glass slide or silicon chip, onto which thousands of DNA probes are attached in a grid-like pattern. The probes are designed to hybridize with specific target sequences, such as mRNA transcripts, allowing for the quantification of gene expression levels. Microarrays can be used to study a wide range of biological processes, including disease states, developmental stages, and environmental responses. They have been used extensively in cancer research, where they have helped to identify new biomarkers and potential drug targets. Microarrays have also been used in pharmacogenomics, where they have been used to identify genetic variations that affect drug response. However, microarrays have largely been replaced by newer technologies, such as RNA sequencing, which offer higher sensitivity and greater dynamic range.