How Do You Spell MICROARRAYS?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊɐɹˌe͡ɪz] (IPA)

The word "microarrays" is spelled as /ˈmaɪkrəʊəreɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a term used in molecular biology and refers to an array of microscopic spots of DNA or protein molecules attached to a solid surface. The spelling of "microarrays" is derived from its components - "micro", meaning small, and "array", meaning an orderly arrangement. The word is important in gene expression analysis and has applications in medical research, drug discovery, and diagnosis of disease.

MICROARRAYS Meaning and Definition

1. Microarrays, also known as gene chips or DNA chips, are powerful tools used in molecular biology and genetics research to simultaneously analyze the expression levels or genetic variations of thousands of genes in a single experiment. A microarray consists of a solid surface, typically a glass slide or silicon chip, onto which a large number of individual DNA or RNA molecules, known as probes, have been immobilized at specific locations in a grid-like pattern.

   These probes, which are usually short, single-stranded DNA sequences that are complementary to specific genes of interest, allow researchers to detect and quantify the presence of corresponding target DNA or RNA molecules within a biological sample. By labeling the targets with fluorescent markers or radioactive labels, scientists can visualize and measure the intensity of the signal generated when the target molecules bind to their complementary probes on the microarray.

   Microarrays offer a high-throughput and cost-effective approach to study gene expression, genotyping, and comparative genomic hybridization. They have revolutionized the field of genomics by enabling researchers to investigate the expression patterns of thousands of genes simultaneously at a global level. This technology has led to important discoveries in various fields, including cancer biology, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine.

   In summary, microarrays are solid surfaces containing a large collection of immobilized DNA or RNA probes that allow the simultaneous analysis of gene expression or genetic variations. They provide a powerful platform for conducting large-scale genomic experiments and have significantly contributed to our understanding of complex biological processes.

Common Misspellings for MICROARRAYS

• microarays
• micorarrays

Etymology of MICROARRAYS

The word "microarrays" is a combination of two terms: "micro" and "arrays".

1. Micro: The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "tiny". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific and technical terms to indicate something on a microscopic or small scale.

2. Arrays: The term "array" originates from the Latin word "arraiare", meaning "to arrange" or "to put in order". In English, it generally refers to an ordered arrangement or a systematic display of items or objects.

When combined, "micro" and "arrays" together refer to small-scale organized arrangements or systematic displays. In the context of scientific technology, microarrays typically refer to small-scale arrays used in genetic or molecular analysis.