How is gene expression analysis performed in functional genomics?

How is gene expression analysis performed in functional genomics?

Gene expression analysis in functional genomics is performed using various techniques and approaches. One common method is microarray analysis, where a microarray chip containing thousands of DNA probes is used to measure the expression levels of genes in a sample. This technique allows researchers to simultaneously analyze the expression of multiple genes and identify genes that are upregulated or downregulated under different conditions.

Another approach is RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), which involves sequencing the RNA molecules in a sample to determine the gene expression levels. This technique provides a more comprehensive and accurate measurement of gene expression compared to microarrays.

Other methods used in gene expression analysis include quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), which measures the amount of specific RNA molecules in a sample, and northern blotting, which detects specific RNA molecules using hybridization with labeled probes.

Overall, gene expression analysis in functional genomics involves the use of various techniques to measure and quantify the expression levels of genes, allowing researchers to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes.