Microarrays are a type of laboratory instrument that allow scientists to study the genetic makeup of cells in a sample. By Gene expression microarrays, scientists can identify and measure the levels of thousands of gene products simultaneously.
Microarray production is a complex and time-consuming process that requires the use of many different types of equipment and skilled technicians. In this article, we will introduce you to the main steps involved in array manufacturing and microarray production and explain how each step contributes to the final product.
How Microarray is Produced?
Microarray technology is used in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. But how is microarray produced? This guide will outline the steps involved in creating a microarray, from the selection of starting materials to the final product.
Microarrays are constructed by first fabricating a grid of individual cells, or “microarrays,” on a solid support. The size and shape of each microarray depends on the application for which it will be used. For example, microarrays for gene expression studies typically have 8-10 million cells per square inch. A small number of these microarrays can be custom-made to measure specific gene expression levels.
The next step is to identify the genes that you want to study. Genes are identified by their nucleotide sequences, which are strings of DNA bases. To sequence a gene, scientists first need to identify where in the genome the sequence corresponds to. Next, they need to find all the copies of that gene in the genome and determine their sequence. By comparing the sequence of each copy, they can identify which genes are being expressed at different levels.
Once genes have been identified and their expression levels measured, they can be put into microarrays. To do this, scientists need to find a gene that is expressed at a high level in the sample they are studying and copy its nucleotide sequence onto the microarray. They then need to identify all the copies of that gene in the sample and determine their sequence. By comparing the sequence of each copy, they can determine which genes are being expressed at different levels.
Next, scientists write software that will identify which genes are being expressed and how much. The software uses a “parameter-search” technique to find the best match for each gene from among all the copies on the microarray. This allows for accurate measurements of gene expression levels, even when different versions of a gene are present on the microarray.
The final step is to produce a data sheet that lists all the genes expressed in the sample, their corresponding expression levels, and where they are found on the microarray.
Types of Microarrays
Microarrays are produced in a variety of ways and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
The most common type is the Affymetrix GeneChip which is a two-dimensional barcoded array. These arrays are made up of small pieces of silicon that can hold thousands of DNA sequences.
Another common type of microarray is the cDNA microarray which consists of a large number of single-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) samples. This type of microarray is used to study gene expression levels.
A third type of microarray, the SNP microarray, is used to study variation in gene expression levels. SNP microarrays consist of a large number of probes that are designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This technology is becoming increasingly popular because it allows researchers to identify genes that are associated with diseases or phenotypes with high accuracy.
There are also hybrid microarrays that combine features from different types of arrays. For example, a cDNA hybrid microarray combines the advantages of cDNA microarrays with the barcode technology found on GeneChips.
The Advantages of Microarrays
Microarrays have become an indispensable tool in biomedical research, and with good reason. Microarrays are small, cheap, easy to produce, and can be used to measure the expression of thousands of genes at once. Microarrays have several advantages over other methods of gene expression analysis. First, microarrays are fast and easy to use.
Second, microarray technology is accurate and can identify genes with high accuracy. Next, microarrays are versatile and can be used to study a wide variety of gene expression patterns. In addition, microarray technology is sensitive and can detect small changes in gene expression levels. Lastly, microarrays are cost-effective and can be used to study large numbers of samples.
Here are four reasons why microarrays are so valuable:
1) Microarrays are small and portable – They can be taken from one laboratory to another, making it easy to share data.
2) Microarrays are cheap – They cost a fraction of what traditional methods such as PCR and western blotting do.
3) Microarrays are easy to use – Everyone involved in biomedical research should be familiar with how to use them.
4) Microarrays offer a wide range of benefits – they can be used to detect the expression of single genes or entire pathways.
The Disadvantages of Microarrays
Microarrays are an important tool in modern biomedical research, but they have a few disadvantages.
The major disadvantage is that they are expensive and time-consuming to produce. In addition, microarrays can be subject to interference from other proteins and DNA molecules in the sample, which can make it difficult to identify specific gene expression patterns.
Another disadvantage of microarrays is that they are not always accurate. This is because the gene expression patterns that are detected can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the sample type and the experimental conditions used.
Additionally, microarrays do not provide information about the activity of all the genes in a sample, only those that are specifically amplified using PCR or RT-qPCR methods.
Conclusion
Microarrays are a powerful technology that can be used for a variety of research purposes. This guide will explain the basics of microarray production, from sample collection to data analysis. By understanding the steps involved in producing microarrays, you will be able to make informed decisions about which research projects to pursue and how best to use this technology in your work.
