DNA Array

Abstract

The DNA array technology provides efficient access to genetic information permitting studies of a wide range of analyses, on small as well as on a global scale, thus expanding popularity throughout the field of molecular biology, biotechnology and medicine. Primarily developed to enhance genome sequencing projects, the technology is rapidly evolving and has been adapted to an incredible set of applications. There is a lot of enthusiasm about its power, since it gives possibilities to study the molecular basis of interactions on a scale that would be impossible using conventional analyses. This technology has been successfully applied to investigate simultaneously expression of a few hundred of genes as well as many thousands. Its application has extended to the detection of mutations or polymorphisms, as well as their mapping and sequencing. But what exactly are these extremely useful life science tools? How are they created? Or what is their role – current and future? We hope that readers will find answers in this chapter, where we briefly review the format of DNA array, the technology used to fabricate and read them, and their applications. The diverse range of concepts required to master the experimental and data analysis aspects of DNA array technology is discussed. Moreover, although DNA array is a powerful technique, there are restrictions and problems which must be considered when planning experiments and analysing their results, and they will also be highlighted.