The spelling of "DNA Microarray" is a combination of phonetic sounds from several languages. The letter "D" represents the voiced dental stop consonant, while "N" represents the voiced alveolar nasal consonant. The "A" is pronounced as the short vowel sound, and "M" is the voiced bilabial nasal consonant. "I" and "C" together form the "ch" sound, and "R" represents the alveolar trill. "O" is pronounced as the long vowel sound, and "B" and "L" together form the voiced bilabial stop consonant. Finally, "A" is pronounced as the short vowel sound again.
A DNA microarray is a powerful analytical tool that enables simultaneous detection and measurement of the expression levels of thousands of genes or DNA sequences. It is also known as a gene chip or DNA chip. The microarray consists of a solid support, usually a glass slide or a silicon-based material, on which thousands of distinct DNA sequences are immobilized in a highly ordered manner.
The procedure begins with the isolation and purification of RNA or DNA from a biological sample. This extracted genetic material is then reverse transcribed, labeled with a fluorescent marker, and hybridized to the microarray. The labeled genetic material is added onto the microarray and allowed to bind to specific complementary DNA sequences. The microarray is then washed to remove any unbound genetic material, and the remaining genetic material is detected using specialized scanners or imaging systems.
By analyzing the resulting fluorescent signals, researchers can determine the relative abundance or expression levels of thousands of genes or DNA sequences simultaneously. DNA microarrays have revolutionized genomics research by providing a high-throughput and cost-effective method for studying gene expression patterns, identifying disease-related genes, predicting drug responses, and understanding various biological processes.
In summary, a DNA microarray is a miniaturized platform that allows for the detection and analysis of gene expression levels on a large scale. It has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of genetics and genomics, and has numerous applications in medical, agricultural, and environmental research.
The word "DNA microarray" is a compound term that consists of two main components: "DNA" and "microarray".
1. DNA: The acronym "DNA" stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, which is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. The term DNA was coined in 1944 by scientists Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty, who discovered that DNA carries genetic information.
2. Microarray: The term "microarray" combines the words "micro" and "array".
- Micro: The word "micro" comes from the Greek word "mikrós", meaning small or minute. In scientific terms, it usually refers to something very tiny or microscopic.