A DNA microarray consists of __________ .

a. a series of clones containing the entire genome of a microbe
b. recombinant microbial cells
c. restriction enzyme fragments of DNA molecules
d. single-stranded DNA localized on a substrate

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Understand what a DNA microarray is: it is a tool used to detect the presence of specific DNA sequences by hybridization.

Recall that DNA microarrays consist of many spots, each containing single-stranded DNA sequences fixed on a solid surface, such as a glass slide or silicon chip.

Each spot on the microarray contains single-stranded DNA probes that can hybridize with complementary DNA or RNA from a sample.

Compare the options given: (a) refers to clones of entire genomes, (b) refers to recombinant cells, (c) refers to restriction fragments, and (d) refers to single-stranded DNA localized on a substrate.

Conclude that the correct description of a DNA microarray is (d) single-stranded DNA localized on a substrate, because this allows hybridization and detection of target sequences.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Microarray Structure

A DNA microarray is a collection of single-stranded DNA probes fixed on a solid surface, such as a glass slide. These probes represent specific DNA sequences and are used to detect complementary DNA or RNA in a sample through hybridization.

Single-Stranded DNA Probes

The probes on a microarray are single-stranded DNA molecules that can specifically bind to complementary sequences in a sample. This specificity allows researchers to analyze gene expression or detect genetic variations.

Hybridization Principle

Hybridization is the process where single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules anneal to complementary DNA probes on the microarray. This binding is the basis for detecting and quantifying specific nucleic acid sequences in the sample.

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