A microarray consists of a flat matrix with regularly placed "spots" of DNA, each with 107 – 108 copies of the same DNA sequence. You can label fragments of human genomic DNA with a fluorescent dye and hybridized the DNA probes to the microarray. If there are sequences present in the genome that can hybridize to the spot, the spot will fluoresce, which can be detected via microscopy. Indeed, you could use such an array to detect base pair differences among different individuals, so-called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). How do you imagine such a system would work? (Hint: think about the how the conditions can affect the hybridization of DNA.)

"1. it should be, it has been for about 20 years, and it's really not much different in the end than breeding animals to have particular traits. there are always concerns about genetically engineered animals/plants affecting the environment in unexpected negative ways, but i can't think of an example where the fears didn't turn out to be baseless.  

first, as you point out, it would be a great advance in pharmacology, to be able to tailor drugs and their doses to me. the pros involve better medical treatment. the cons involve privacy issues like insurance companies denying coverage to people with genetic risk factors. looking at dna markers wouldn't affect the frequency of genetic diseases, but it would allow detection of them earlier. and ok, actually i suppose that if people used this information to avoid having children with genetic diseases, some might decrease in frequency."

bacterium is not correct

the answer is c.

by: nicholas dooley