Understanding the structure of the human genome has allowed scientists to study the actual function of specific genes, which is very important for understanding health and disease. DNA microarrays are a technique that improves understanding of the genome, from its structure to its function. A microarray is a laboratory technique used to spot the expression of thousands of genes at the same time. DNA microarrays are microscope slides printed with thousands of tiny dots in distinct positions, with each dot containing a known DNA sequence or gene. These slides are called gene chips or DNA chips. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The DNA molecules attached to each slide act as probes to detect gene expression, also known as transcriptome or set of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts expressed by a group of genes. This is a high-throughput, highly parallel RNA expression assay technique that allows quantitative analysis of RNAs transcribed from known and unknown genes. One of the main importance of this technique is that it provides diagnostic marks by comparing gene expression patterns in normal and pathological cells, as it can track the expression levels of many genes simultaneously. It also provides a source of operational context for the prediction of complex cellular control. systems. To perform microarray analysis, mRNA molecules are typically collected from a test sample and a control or reference sample. For example, the reference sample could be from a healthy individual or one in which a gene is expressed, and the test sample could be collected from an individual with a disease such as cancer or a certain knockout gene. The two mRNA samples are then converted into complementary DNA (cDNA) and each sample is labeled with a fluorescent probe of a different color. For example, the test cDNA sample can be labeled with a red or pink fluorescent dye, while the control cDNA can be labeled with a blue fluorescent dye. The two samples are then mixed and allowed to bind to the microchip slide. The process by which cDNA molecules bind to DNA probes on the slide is called hybridization. After hybridization, the microarray is scanned to measure the expression of each gene printed on the slide. If the expression of a particular gene is higher in the test sample than in the control sample, then the corresponding spot on the DNA chip appears pink/reddish. On the other hand, if the expression in the test sample is lower than that in the control sample, then the spot appears blue. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Finally, if there is an equal expression in both samples, then the stain appears as a mixture of both colors which could lead to keeping the above mentioned colors in a magenta color in consideration. This data collected via microarrays can be used to create gene expression profiles, which highlight the importance of microarrays in showing instantaneous changes in the expression of many genes in response to a condition or treatment particular..