Definition
A gene chip, also known as a DNA microarray, is a small, solid surface on which thousands of DNA sequences are attached. It's used to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome. Think of it as a super-detailed microscope slide that can analyze thousands of genes at once. Researchers use gene chips to study how genes are affected by disease, treatment, or environmental factors. These chips help to identify patterns in gene expression and understand complex biological processes. It is a fundamental tool in modern genetics research.