Taking arrays from the lab to the field: trying to make sense of the unknown. (April 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chandler, Darrell P.; Jarrell, Ann E.
• Is Part Of: Biotechniques. Volume 38:Number 4(2005)
• Page Start: 591
• Page End: 600
• Publication Date: 2005-04
• Subjects: Biology, Experimental -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Biology, Experimental; Medical technology; Molecular biology; Clinical Laboratory Techniques -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Medical Laboratory Science -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 570
• DOI: 10.2144/05384PS01
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-6205

Abstract

With the rapid pace of nucleic acid microarray technology development and a renewed national emphasis on detecting and characterizing microorganisms in environmental samples, there is a rush to operationalize existing microarray technologies and apply them to uncharacterized environmental backgrounds. The purpose of this article is to pause and ask a basic question: what do microarray data actually mean in the face of uncharacterized sample backgrounds? In attempting to answer this question, we draw a clear distinction between hypothesis-driven fundamental science and operational uses of microarray technology; assess microarray technology assumptions in the face of uncharacterized environments; offer an environmental microbiologist's perspective on technology needs and requirements for quantitatively analyzing microbial communities; and hopefully stimulate a scientific and technical dialogue around the concept of analytical environmental microbiology and future technology development.