Final answer:
Gene chips or DNA microarrays are used to examine gene expression, identify genetic variations, detect genetic diseases, and analyze pathogen presence. They are instrumental in cancer research for identifying faulty genes and potential treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene chips, also known as DNA microarrays, can be used for multiple purposes in biological research and medical diagnostics. They allow researchers to examine patterns of gene expression under various conditions, identify genetic variances, and screen for genetic disorders. For instance, by comparing gene expression patterns in cancer cells to those in healthy cells, scientists can identify which genes are over or under-expressed, leading to insights into the cancer and potential treatment strategies.
Other uses include:
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- To establish levels of genetic variation through DNA polymorphism detection.
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- As a diagnostic tool to detect genes causing genetic diseases and to screen fetuses for genetic disorders.
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- To detect the presence of pathogenic organisms in blood or tissue samples.
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- For identifying oncogenes in biopsy samples and understanding gene expression patterns critical in providing relevant drug treatment.
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- Using DNA probes, gene chips can also identify genes of interest to differentiate normal and mutated genes.
Moreover, gene chips can quantitatively measure amounts of specific mRNAs, which provides an understanding of the gene's activity within the cell.