GENE CHIP Meaning and
Definition
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A gene chip, also known as a DNA microarray or gene array, is a powerful tool used in genetic research and analysis. It is a small solid support, typically a glass slide or silicon chip, onto which DNA molecules are affixed in a highly ordered and organized manner. The DNA molecules on the chip are tiny fragments or probes that are complementary to specific genes or genetic markers of interest.
Gene chips enable scientists to investigate the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. By hybridizing fluorescently labeled DNA or RNA samples onto the chip, researchers can measure the abundance of specific mRNA molecules within a biological sample at a particular moment. This allows detailed analysis of gene expression patterns, providing insights into which genes are turned on or off, and how their activity changes under different conditions such as disease, drug treatments, or environmental factors.
Gene chips are also utilized for genotyping purposes, whereby they can detect and analyze genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), within an individual's genome. This aids in understanding how genetic variations may contribute to disease susceptibility, drug response, or other phenotypic traits.
Overall, gene chips revolutionize genetic research by allowing high-throughput, efficient, and precise analysis of gene expression and genetic variations. They provide a comprehensive snapshot of molecular activity, facilitating advances in fields like personalized medicine, diagnostics, and genetic profiling.
Common Misspellings for GENE CHIP
- fene chip
- vene chip
- bene chip
- hene chip
- yene chip
- tene chip
- gwne chip
- gsne chip
- gdne chip
- grne chip
- g4ne chip
- g3ne chip
- gebe chip
- geme chip
- geje chip
- gehe chip
- genw chip
- gens chip
- gend chip
Etymology of GENE CHIP
The word "gene chip" is a compound term consisting of "gene" and "chip". Let's break down each component:
1. Gene: The term "gene" originates from the German word "Gen" coined by Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. "Gen" was derived from the Greek word "genos", meaning "race", "tribe", or "generation". Johannsen introduced this term to describe the discrete units responsible for hereditary traits.
2. Chip: In this context, "chip" refers to a microchip or integrated circuit. The term "chip" derives from the Old English word "ceap" or "cēap", meaning "piece", "bit", or "fragment". Over centuries, this term evolved to give rise to "chip" as a common name for integrated circuits, which are tiny electronic components that perform various functions.
