Applications of ESTs

ESTs can be used as functional DNA arrays for the analysis of whole genome of a species.

ESTs as Genome searching tool: Scientists use the genome map to travel through the billions of nucleotide in the genome of a species. ESTs work as landmarks for the genome mapping. Currently, the most powerful technique for genome mapping is Sequence Tagged Site (STS) mapping. 3'-ESTs as a commonly used as a source of STSs because of their uniqueness in an individual's genome (Figure 2).

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ESTs are most commonly used to locate a gene rapidly and accurately.
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Figure 2: Identification of genes using Expressed Sequence Tags: Genome is isolated from normal and diseased tissue, ESTs are used to identify the genetic variations between these two tissue. Finally a database is prepared for further reference.