Like DNA microarrays,Northern blots analyze the levels of mRNA.However,Northern blots are almost always prepared with a probe tagged with one label,whereas DNA microarrays almost always use two groups of probes,each one tagged with a different fluorescent label.What advantage is conferred by using two labels for the microarray probes?
A)The two labels increase the sensitivity of the microarray.
B)The two labels allow the analysis of the expression of more genes.
C)The two labels allow simultaneous assay of levels of DNA and RNA.
D)The two labels allow comparison of gene expression between two samples.
E)Probing the array with two labels is equivalent to doing two experiments at once.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of two labels in a DNA microarray allows for comparison of the gene expression levels between two different samples. One group of probes can be labeled with one fluorescent dye and used to analyze the gene expression levels in one sample, while the other group of probes can be labeled with a different fluorescent dye and used to analyze the gene expression levels in a different sample. By comparing the levels of gene expression between the two samples, it is possible to identify genes that are differentially expressed between them. This is particularly useful in comparative studies of disease states or drug treatments.

Like DNA Microarrays,Northern Blots Analyze the Levels of MRNA