[20.6] genome projects Flashcards
what is the genome?
overall genetic makeup of an organism
describe bioinformatics
- science of collecting and analysing complex biological data eg. genetic codes
- uses computers to organise biological data quickly
- uses algorithms to analyse and interpret biological data
what is whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing?
when researchers cut DNA into many small, easily sequenced sections then use computer algorithms to align overlapping segments to assemble the entire genome
how are whole genomes rapidly sequenced?
sequencing methods (eg. WGS) are continuously updated and increasingly automated
what is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)?
single base variations in gene sequences which are associated with disease and other disorders
what is the proteome?
all the proteins an organism can make, potentially coded for by the genome
what is a more accurate definition of a proteome?
- protein is only produced when a gene is swtiched on; genes are not swtiched on all the time
- all proteins produced in a given type of cell (cellular proteome) or organism (complete proteome) at a given time, under specified conditions
why are prokaryotic proteomes relatively easy to sequence?
- most prokaryotes have a single, circular piece of DNA that is not associared with histones
- no introns
what are the possible applications of sequencing proteome genomes?
- understading and curing diease
- cleaning up pollutants or manufacturing biofuels, with organisms that can withstand extreme or toxic environmental conditions
- antigens on surface of human pathogens can be used in vaccines
why is it difficult to determine the genome and proteome of complex organisms?
- difficult to translate knowledge of genome into proteome
- genome contains many non-coding genes
- in humans, <2% of genes may actually code for proteins
- all individuals, except MZ twins have differences in DNA base sequences
