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... Now, a new tool called the gene chip, invented by Stanford’s biochemist Patrick Brown, is allowing researchers to sort through thousands of genes at a time, doing the work of years in just a few days. ... So today in order to crack this cancer code we will first examine what the gene chip is and how it works. ...
First, let us discuss what the gene chip is and how it works. The gene chip, known more technically as a DNA microarray, is a thumbnail-size glass wafer on which thousands of genes are embedded. Despite its name, the chip has no relation to a microprocessor and involves just a few simple steps to produce and use. ... Each gene chip analysis gives a readout of the distinct patterns of genes switched on or off in a cell, effectively letting the researcher peer inside and get a comprehensive snapshot of the cellular dynamics at work. ... The RNA is then converted into a gene probe that has a fluorescent dye attached to it and then placed into a solution. ... Finally, when a fluorescent gene probe matches the DNA on the chip, the spot glows, identifying an active cancer cell gene. After identifying the active cancer cell gene, this test could give some patients assurance that they will respond to various treatments, while other patients could avoid a futile treatment. ...
Now that we have a better understanding of what the gene chip is and how it works. ... Using gene chips, scientists found that these patients were actually suffering from a new, yet unrecognized form of lymphoma cancer--the medical equivalent of discovering a new kind of biological species. ... Because of the gene chip’s diagnostic strengths, doctors can now accurately diagnose this newly discovered form of non-Hodgkins’s lymphoma.
Approximate Word count = 1438
Approximate Pages = 5.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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