Question

Which technology can be used to monitor thousands of genes in a single experiment?

(a) Centrifugation

(b) Polymerase chain reaction

(c) DNA microarrays

(d) RNA microarrays

The question was asked by my college director while I was bunking the class.

My doubt is from Gene Expression Control in chapter Control of Gene Expression of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(c) DNA microarrays

Explanation: DNA microarrays are a powerful technology that allows for the simultaneous monitoring of thousands of genes in a single experiment. This method involves fixing thousands of gene sequences onto a solid surface, allowing researchers to measure the expression levels of multiple genes at once by analyzing how DNA or RNA samples bind to these sequences.

• Centrifugation: Used for separating cell components by density but does not monitor gene expression.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Amplifies specific DNA sequences but is typically used for single or a small number of genes, not thousands.
• RNA microarrays: Similar in function but DNA microarrays are more commonly used for broad gene expression studies.

Thus, DNA microarrays are ideal for large-scale gene expression profiling.