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Microarrays designed to detect mutations or polymorphisms in a gene sequence. The packet samples on the microarray spots typically consist of immobilized DNA from a single gene; the sequence placed on any given spot of the microarray differs from that on other spots by only one or a few specific nucleotides. A sequence that is frequently used follows small single genetic variations that can occur within a human DNA sequence, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Samples of labeled DNA from a person\'s normal tissue are hybridized to the array; the sample DNA will hybridize with greater frequency to SNPs particular to that person. If the sample SNP pattern is coincident to the known pattern for a given disease, the person has, or is at risk of having, the disease. Mutation/polymorphism molecular microarrays can be used to screen for inherited or acquired genetic susceptibility to a particular illness and/or other genetic characteristics (e.g., metabolism).
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