How Do You Spell MICROARRAY?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊɐɹˌe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "microarray" is spelled with six letters, comprising of two syllables. The first syllable is "mi" pronounced as /ˈmaɪ/ and the second syllable is "cro" pronounced as /ˈkroʊ/. The word is commonly used in molecular biology to refer to a collection of microscopic spots of DNA, RNA, or protein. Proper spelling of scientific terms is crucial for clear communication among researchers across the globe. The orthography of "microarray" holds significance as it reflects the modern-day scientification of language.

MICROARRAY Meaning and Definition

1. A microarray is a highly powerful and versatile tool in molecular biology and genetics that allows for the simultaneous analysis of thousands of DNA or protein sequences in a single experiment. It consists of a solid support, such as a glass slide or a silicon chip, which is densely populated with an array of microscopic spots or wells.

   In the case of DNA microarrays, each spot contains a specific DNA sequence that has been immobilized. These sequences can be selected to represent the entire genome, specific genes, or other regions of interest. By introducing a sample containing fluorescently labeled DNA fragments, researchers can determine which sequences are present and at what levels. This information provides insights into gene expression, DNA mutations, and genetic variations.

   Protein microarrays follow a similar concept but employ proteins instead of DNA fragments. Each spot on the microarray represents a different protein that has been immobilized. By exposing the microarray to a sample containing fluorescently labeled proteins, researchers can study protein-protein interactions, enzyme activity, and protein expression patterns.

   Microarrays offer an efficient and high-throughput platform for analyzing large amounts of genetic or protein data simultaneously, generating a wealth of information in a cost-effective manner. They have revolutionized the fields of genomics, proteomics, and personalized medicine, enabling scientists to uncover important insights into disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and biological processes.

Common Misspellings for MICROARRAY

• microparray
• microarrary

Etymology of MICROARRAY

The word "microarray" is derived from the combination of two words: "micro" and "array".

1. Micro: The prefix "micro" is derived from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small". It is commonly used to indicate something very small or on a microscopic scale. In the context of "microarray", it refers to the extremely small size of the elements on the array, such as the DNA or protein spots.

2. Array: The word "array" comes from the Old French word "aray" or "areer", meaning "to arrange or put in order". It later entered Middle English with the same meaning. In the context of "microarray", it refers to the arrangement of DNA, RNA, or protein molecules on a surface, typically a glass slide or silicon chip, in a highly organized pattern or grid.