L12 Microarrays and Gene Expression
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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using 11 different probes for each gene on a microarray?

  • To obtain a more accurate average expression value (correct)
  • To improve the speed of the experiment
  • To reduce the number of genes analyzed
  • To increase the chance of inaccurate readings
  • Microarray technology relies solely on one type of probe for gene expression analysis.

    False

    What method is used in microarrays to compare expression levels of different samples?

    Two color fluorescence

    To reduce binding noise in microarrays, probe sets for a single gene are ______ across the GeneChip.

    <p>randomised</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the microarray application with its purpose:

    <p>Identifying regionally expressed genes = Understanding gene expression in various tissues Coregulated gene identification = Finding genes expressed during specific cell cycle stages Comparative microarray = Comparing expression levels between different samples Experimental plotting = Visualizing expression data for interpretation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a microarray?

    <p>To measure gene expression levels of thousands of genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The transcriptome consists of all an organism's genes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'central dogma' refer to?

    <p>DNA to RNA to Protein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Microarrays rely on the biological principle of __________ hybridisation.

    <p>complementary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the term to its definition:

    <p>Genome = Complete set of genes and regulatory sequences Transcriptome = Set of transcribed genes at a given time Proteome = Entire set of proteins produced by an organism Microarray = Tool for measuring gene expression levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the transcriptome?

    <p>It can differ from cell to cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Probes used in microarrays are complementary to known mRNA sequences of genes.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be known in order to use microarrays effectively?

    <p>Target DNA sequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the probes used in microarrays?

    <p>To detect the presence of complementary mRNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The microarray process requires knowledge of gene sequences prior to detection.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is used to convert mRNA from the test sample into cDNA?

    <p>reverse transcriptase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ___ of fluorescence detected by a chip reader indicates the level of gene expression.

    <p>brightness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of platform synthesizes short oligonucleotides on a silicon base?

    <p>Affymetrix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fluorescent probes are labeled and applied to the microarray to facilitate gene identification.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the microarray process with their descriptions:

    <p>Probes = Detect complementary mRNA cDNA = Converted from mRNA using reverse transcriptase GeneChip = A silicon base with probes immobilized Fluorescence = Indicates the level of gene expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Short oligonucleotides are typically ___ to ___ nucleotides long in microarray technology.

    <p>25, 70</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

    • Central Dogma framework: DNA (genome) → RNA (transcriptome) → Protein (proteome).
    • Genome encompasses all genes and regulatory DNA sequences.
    • Transcriptome refers to the complete array of transcripts in a specific tissue or cell at a given time.
    • Transcriptomes are dynamic; they vary by tissue function while the genome remains constant.

    Microarrays Overview

    • Microarrays are tools designed to measure gene expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously.
    • They assess actively expressed genes through mRNA present in the sample via complementary hybridization.
    • Requires prior knowledge of target mRNA sequences for effective probe design.

    Microarray Process

    • Probes (25-70 nucleotides) are synthesized to match known mRNAs and immobilized on solid surfaces like silicon.
    • mRNA from a sample is converted to cDNA using reverse transcriptase and labeled with fluorescent probes.
    • Labeled cDNA hybridizes to the microarray, indicating which genes are expressed based on fluorescent signal detection.
    • A laser scans the array; fluorescent tags produce signals indicating expression levels for specific genes.

    Types of Microarray Platforms

    • Affymetrix GeneChips feature multiple short oligonucleotides (25mers) allowing up to 40,000 gene targets per chip with single-channel fluorescence.
    • Each gene is represented by multiple probes (11 probes per gene) to minimize cross-hybridization errors.
    • Spotted cDNA or long oligos (70mers) can be used on glass slides for two-channel simultaneous comparison of samples.

    Importance of Controls and Statistical Analysis

    • The risk of multiple gene probes binding due to sequence similarity necessitates random probe distribution across the chip.
    • Probes are carefully designed to reduce noise and inaccuracies in expression readings.
    • Scanner outputs expression values for each gene based on fluorescent intensity and location.

    Applications of Microarrays

    • Identification of regionally expressed genes.
    • Coregulation studies, such as monitoring gene expression during different cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2, M).
    • Comparative analysis using differently colored labels for simultaneous expression comparison across samples.
    • Graphical representation of comparative expression can reveal similarities or differences in gene expression levels.

    Key Takeaways

    • Microarrays provide insights into large-scale gene regulation.
    • Understanding the principles of complementary hybridization is crucial for effective application.
    • Proper controls and statistical analysis enhance the reliability of data obtained from microarray experiments.

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    Related Documents

    L12 Microarrays PDF

    Description

    This lecture explores the complexities of the Central Dogma, focusing on gene regulation and protein interactions. It covers the architecture of protein coding mRNAs and the principles behind large-scale genome-wide DNA microarrays. Additionally, a workflow for determining differential gene expression in biological systems is discussed.

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