DNA chips

DNA chips helps to obtain information about an individual’s genetic characteristics. The basic principle involved in DNA chips is that complementary DNA strands stick together. By a suitable denaturization technique, single stranded DNA segments of known sequence are prepared initially. These DNA strands are then mounted on microarray plates. The unknown sample is then placed on this array. On finding its complement, unknown sample sticks to it. Some quality fluorescent markers can be used for fine binding of hybridized strands. DNA chip technology can be used for the identification of an individual’s SNPs which is related to a specific disease. Medical field makes use of this technology for diagnosis, prevention and treatment. This technology is successfully tested in determining whether a woman possesses mutations of the BRCA1 gene.  Expression profiling and analysis is a technique used in DNA chips related technology where classification of types of cancers and other diseases are possible.