Microarrays — 'Chipping' in Genomics!

Abstract

DNA microarrays or gene chips are an assemblage of assorted short sequences of DNA or polypeptides embedded onto a solid medium such as glass or plastic slides/silicon wafers or nylon membranes. A state of the art technology in the elucidation of molecular basis of gene expressions, this versatile tool finds many applications ranging from assessing the burgeoning sequential information generated by the human genome project, to the grading of tumours and evaluating clinical prognosis. The present review elaborates the historical background of

DNA microarrays, their construction as well as discusses with relevant examples, their immense potential in diagnostic and therapeutic research and the drawbacks encountered in their application.