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GeneChip Technology
The GeneChip technology platform consists of high-density microarrays and tools to help process and analyze those arrays, including standardized assays and reagents, instrumentation, and data management and analysis tools.
GeneChip® Arrays
GeneChip microarrays consist of small DNA fragments (referred to here as probes), chemically synthesized at specific locations on a coated quartz surface. The precise location where each probe is synthesized is called a feature, and millions of features can be contained on one array. By extracting and labeling nucleic acids from experimental samples, and then hybridizing those prepared samples to the array, the amount of label can be monitored at each feature, enabling a wide range of applications on a whole-genome scale — including gene- and exon-level expression analysis, novel transcript discovery, genotyping, and resequencing. Microarray analysis can also be combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation to perform genome-wide identification of transcription factors and their respective binding sites
DNA and RNA
Affymetrix has created a wide variety of arrays to suit almost any need. There are DNA arrays for SNP Mapping analysis, Mitochondrial resequencing arrays, Disease Arrays and CustomSeq arrays, custom designed for personal requirements. The RNA expression analysis arrays can interrogate samples on the gene, transcript or genome level, providing the desired level of detail.
Robust, simple representation, microarrays focusing on the 3' ends.
Genome-wide, exon-level analysis on a single array - a survey of alternative splicing and gene expression.
High-density tiled for transcript mapping.
Making Sense of the Data
The GeneChip® Arrays provide a wealth of data with every chip, but it can be difficult to interpret. Specialized programs are needed to establish biological relevance. Using statistical algorithms, data mining and graphical display software, it is possible to get to the relevant parts of the data in a more comprehensible manner. View Data Analysis Options available through the Gene Expression Resource.
Images reproduced with permission from Affymetrix, Inc.
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