Which one of the following techniques can be used to compare the expression of a large number of genes in two biological samples in a single experiment?

Q. Which one of the following techniques can be used to compare the expression of a large number of genes in two biological samples in a single experiment?

(A) Polymerase chain reaction

(B) DNA microarray

(C) Northern hybridization

(D) Southern hybridization

Ans: DNA microarray

Solution:

(B) DNA microarray

DNA microarray is the technique that can be used to compare the expression of a large number of genes in two biological samples in a single experiment. It is a high-throughput method that allows researchers to simultaneously analyze the expression levels of thousands of genes or transcripts. In a DNA microarray experiment, DNA molecules representing different genes or gene sequences are spotted or synthesized onto a solid support, such as a glass slide or a silicon chip. These DNA spots act as probes to detect complementary RNA or cDNA sequences from the biological samples. By measuring the signal intensity at each spot, researchers can determine the expression levels of the corresponding genes in the two samples being compared. This technology has been widely used in genomics and molecular biology research to study gene expression patterns under different conditions and in various diseases.