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Background: DNA Chips

Hybridization experiments were traditionally performed using page-sized filters, with each filter having about 10 bands displaying whether hybridization occurred or not. About ten years ago the techniques became developed enough to allow miniaturized filters, which are chip sized, with each band being about 100 microns wide. Using these DNA chips, also called DNA arrays, also enables us to perform several experiments at once. There are two types of DNA chips, the difference being whether the target DNA is on the chip or in the ``air'' (i.e. the solution to which the chip is exposed). Table 11.1 summarizes the differences between the chip types.
 
Table 11.1: DNA chip types
Type Target Probe
I chip air
II air chip
 



Peer Itsik
2001-01-31