DNA chip technology, a marriage of the semi-conductor manufacturing industry and molecular genetics, will transform genetic analysis because it allows us to analyze tens of thousands of genes simultaneously on a single chip. The manufacturing process of microchips and DNA chips is similar, in principle, but instead of shining light through a series of masks to each circuits into silicon, automated DNA chip-makers use a series of masks to lay down an array of DNA fragments on a glass slide. DNA chip technology is being used for:
1. detect mutations in disease-causing genes.
2. monitor gene activity.
3. diagnose infectious diseases and identify the best antibiotic treatment.
4. identify genes important to crop productivity.
5. improve screening for microbes used in bioremediation.
DNA chip will be essential for converting the raw genetic data provided by the Human Genome Project into useful products.
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