[16] Functional Genomics and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)

Question 1

What is functional genomics?

Answer 1

The field of genetics that attempts to describe gene functions and interactions.

Question 2

What are Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)?

Answer 2

Research methods that identify genetic variants associated with diseases by examining the genome-wide set of genetic variants in different individuals.

Question 3

Initials: GWAS

Answer 3

Genome-Wide Association Studies

Question 4

How does functional genomics contribute to understanding of genetics?

Answer 4

It aids in understanding the functional roles of genes in complex biological systems.

Question 5

How does GWAS contribute to understanding of diseases?

Answer 5

It identifies genetic variants that influence the risk of diseases in humans.

Question 6

What are the main components of functional genomics?

Answer 6

• Transcriptomics
• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Interactomics

Question 7

What are the steps in GWAS?

Answer 7

• Collection of DNA samples
• Genotyping
• Statistical analysis to identify significant associations
• Replication of findings in another sample set

Question 8

Initials: DNA

Answer 8

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Question 9

What is transcriptomics?

Answer 9

The study of the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific circumstances or in a specific cell.

Question 10

What is proteomics?

Answer 10

The study of the entire protein complement of a cell, tissue, or organism at a specific point in time.

Question 11

What is metabolomics?

Answer 11

The study of the unique chemical fingerprints that specific cellular processes leave behind.

Question 12

What is interactomics?

Answer 12

The study of interactions between molecules in a biological system.

Question 13

What is genotyping in the context of GWAS?

Answer 13

The process of determining differences in the genetic make-up (genotype) of an individual by examining the individual’s DNA sequence.

Question 14

How does statistical analysis help in GWAS?

Answer 14

It identifies genetic variants that are associated with a disease by comparing the DNA of participants with and without the disease.

Question 15

Why is replication of findings important in GWAS?

Answer 15

It ensures that the findings are not due to random chance and confirms the association of identified genetic variants with the disease.

Question 16

What are the applications of functional genomics?

Answer 16

• Understanding gene function
• Discovering drug targets
• Developing new therapies
• Providing insights into disease mechanisms

Question 17

What are the applications of GWAS?

Answer 17

• Identifying genetic variants associated with diseases
• Understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases
• Informing drug discovery and development

Question 18

What is the potential limitation of GWAS?

Answer 18

It may not detect rare genetic variants associated with diseases.

Question 19

What are the potential limitations of functional genomics?

Answer 19

• Complexity of gene interactions
• Difficulty in determining the function of every gene in a genome

Question 20

What is the purpose of functional genomics and GWAS in the study of diseases?

Answer 20

They provide insights into the genetic basis of diseases and can help in the development of targeted treatments and therapies.