High density oligonucleotide and DNA probe arrays for the analysis of target DNA

Abstract

The acquisition of sequence, expression and other information concerning genetic material constitutes a crucial component of the modern revolution in molecular biology. One important advance in this area is the development of high density oligonucleotide/DNA microarrays which allows the rapid sequence analysis of genomic target samples in addition to diagnostic possibilities with respect to genetic and infectious disease. In the present article we review protocols for the design of such microarrays and their principles of operation. Together with a look at some recent applications we include brief remarks as to the possibilities for the future.