What is a microarray used for in research?

A microarray is a powerful tool used in research primarily for measuring the expression levels of multiple genes simultaneously. This technique allows researchers to assess the activity of thousands of genes at once, which is crucial for understanding gene expression patterns in various biological conditions, such as during development, in response to environmental changes, or in disease states.

Microarrays consist of a small solid surface onto which DNA molecules are attached in a grid format. When labeled RNA or complementary DNA (cDNA) samples are applied to the microarray, they hybridize to the complementary DNA on the microarray. The intensity of the signal from each spot on the microarray reflects the expression level of the corresponding gene. This high-throughput assessment provides insights into how different genes are regulated and how they interact within biological systems.

Other options presented do not accurately describe the primary use of microarrays. While microarrays can contribute to disease diagnostics through gene expression analysis, their main function is not diagnosis but rather to quantitatively measure gene activity. Determining the genetic sequence of an organism typically requires sequencing methods rather than microarray technology. Visualization of protein interactions would generally involve different techniques, such as co-immunoprecipitation or yeast two-hybrid systems, rather than the DNA-centric approach of micro