20.6 Genome Projects

Question 1

What is a genome

Answer 1

A complete map of all the genetic material in an organism

Question 2

What is bioinformatics

Answer 2

The science of collecting and analysing complex biological data such as genetic codes. It uses computers

Question 3

What does determining the complete DNA base sequence of an organism use

Answer 3

A technique called whole-genome shotgun sequencing.

Question 4

What does WGS involve

Answer 4

Cutting DNA into many small, easily sequenced sections and using computer algorithms to align overlapping segments to assemble the entire genome.

Question 5

What are SNP

Answer 5

Single nucleotide polymorphisms are single-base variations in the genome that are associated with disease and other disorders.

Question 6

What is the proteome of an organism

Answer 6

All proteins produced in a given type of cell or organism at a given time under specified conditions

Question 7

Why is determining the proteome of prokaryotic organisms easy

Answer 7

1. The vast majority of prokaryotes have just one, circular piece of DNA that is not associated with histones
2. There are no introns of DNA which are typical of eukaryotic cells

Question 8

Why is knowledge of the proteome of organisms useful

Answer 8

It allows us to identify proteins that act as antigens on the surfaces of human pathogens. These can be used for vaccination

Question 9

Why is determining the proteome of complex organisms difficult

Answer 9

Complex organisms contain many non-coding genes as well as others that have a role in regulating other genes.