• Array-based hybridization platforms allow simultaneous genotyping of many SNPs. Arrays are defined as thousands of microscopic spots of DNA probes.

• Genotyping microarrays are devices displaying a large number of probes, precisely immobilized on a small-format solid support (e.g. glass slides) at discrete spots of 3mm (micron) in diameter. These probes made out of short specific DNA sequences, have the affinity to bind with target DNA (DNA from subject/client) under high-stringency conditions.

• Probe-target hybridization based on nucleotide base-pairing rule is usually detected and quantified by the detection of fluorophore labelled (e.g. Cy-3 and Cy-5 dyes) targets to determine relative abundance of nucleic acids in the target. Since an array can contain tens of thousands of probes, a microarray experiment can accomplish many genetic tests in parallel.

• Besides genotyping, probe-target hybridization is also applicable in forensic analysis, measuring predisposition to disease, identifying drug-candidates, evaluating germline mutations in individuals or somatic mutations in cancers, assessing loss of heterozygosity, or genetic linkage analysis.

• Genetics in Brief

• Genetic Polymorphisms and Predisposition to Diseases

• Genetic Mutations and Inherited Disease

• Genetics and Response to Medical Treatment

• Genetics and Disease Prognosis

• Unlocking the Secret of Human Genome

◊ DNA Sequencing
◊ Microarray