Question

Outline recent advances in microarray technologies for use in Microbiology.

Answer 1

Microarray technology was first invented in the year 1995 and since then it has been into use in research as it is a great tool for studying simultaneous gene expressions. The main function of the microarray technique is the comparison between RNAs, where one can be diseased and one can be normal. The microarray consists of a glass slide with ss DNA aligned in an array. Next, the mRNAs which are of interest are generated and obtained. These mRNAs are converted to cDNA by the process of RT PCR which is carried out by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. Once we have the cDNAs, they are conjugated with the ss DNAs present in the microarray. The ones which have complementary pairs, hybridize and it can be observed under fluorescence. However, recent advances in the field of microarray technology can be its cost effectivity and better selectivity of the probes.