Abstract

The DNA microarray technology is the most appealing tool for genetic investigation that has been devised in recent years. Microarrays basically consist of a matrix of thousands or even more spots of DNA fragments or oligonucleotides arranged on a microscope slide. If a probe, marked with fluorescent molecules, containing a base sequence complementary to one in the array is spread onto the slide, hybridization takes place and the hybridized spot can be easily located by fluorescent imaging. Presently, a laser scanner and a photomultiplier are used for DNA microarray reading and the discrimination between different markers is made on the basis of different absorption/emission wavelenghts.

© 2000 IEEE