What main component is required for performing the macroarray technique?

The macroarray technique primarily utilizes several probes that are immobilized on a nitrocellulose substrate. This immobilization is crucial, as it allows for the efficient hybridization of the target nucleic acids present in the test samples. When the liquid test samples, which contain complementary sequences, are applied to the macroarray, they interact with the immobilized probes. The result is the formation of stable hybrids, which can then be detected and analyzed.

The specific choice of a nitrocellulose substrate is key in this context. Nitrocellulose has favorable properties such as high binding capacity for DNA and RNA, which contributes to the effectiveness of the macroarray in capturing the relevant nucleic acids. This method allows researchers to analyze multiple targets simultaneously, making it a valuable tool in molecular diagnostics and research applications.

While other options might mention elements involved in molecular assays, none specifically address the necessity of having multiple probes on a substrate essential for the macroarray methodology. Probes on a glass slide or in solution do not fulfill the same functional requirement as those immobilized on nitrocellulose, which is tailored for the intended analysis in the macroarray setup.