The term "cDNA Microarrays" refers to a powerful tool in the field of molecular biology. It consists of an array or matrix of probes, which are small DNA pieces bonded to a surface. These probes are designed to hybridize with cDNA molecules, which are complementary copies of RNA molecules that were previously isolated from a sample. The spelling of this compound word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet, and it uses the phonetic symbols /si di ɛn eɪ maɪkrəʊəreɪz/. It represents the sounds of each letter in the word, facilitating its correct pronunciation.
cDNA Microarrays, also known as complementary DNA microarrays or gene chips, are powerful tools used in genomics and molecular biology to study gene expression levels and patterns on a large scale.
A cDNA microarray is a solid support, usually in the form of a glass slide or silicon chip, that contains thousands to millions of specific DNA fragments representing different genes immobilized at designated spots. These DNA fragments, also known as probes, are synthesized from cDNA molecules, which are complementary copies of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules transcribed from the genes.
The technique involves the hybridization of labeled cDNA molecules, generated from the target RNA samples, to the immobilized probes on the microarray. This allows simultaneous detection and quantification of mRNA expression levels for thousands of genes in a single experiment. The level of hybridization between the labeled cDNA and the immobilized probe is measured using specialized scanners, resulting in a gene expression profile.
By comparing gene expression profiles among different cell types, tissues, or experimental conditions, researchers can gain significant insights into biological processes, identify genes involved in specific conditions, and unravel molecular pathways. cDNA microarrays have applications in diverse areas such as cancer research, developmental biology, drug discovery, and toxicological studies.
Advancements in microarray technologies, including the development of high-density microarrays and more advanced labeling techniques, have significantly enhanced the power and resolution of cDNA microarrays, allowing for more precise investigations of gene expression.
The term "cDNA microarrays" is formed by the combination of several elements:
1. cDNA: cDNA stands for complementary DNA. It is a type of DNA molecule synthesized from an mRNA (messenger RNA) template through the process of reverse transcription. cDNA represents the complementary copy of the original mRNA molecule.
2. Microarrays: Microarrays are a technology used to study gene expression. They consist of microscopic spots (or probes) of DNA, RNA, or proteins immobilized on a solid surface such as a glass slide or silicon chip. Microarrays allow simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes or biomolecules.
The etymology of "cDNA" and "microarrays" separately is as follows:
- cDNA: The "c" in cDNA stands for "complementary", indicating that it is a complementary copy of the original mRNA molecule.