3. 1. 3 - Identifying individual species

Question 1

what is DNA sequencing?

Answer 1

the process by which the base sequences of all or part of the genome of an organism is worked out

Question 2

what is DNA profiling?

Answer 2

the process by which non-coding areas of DNA are analysed to identify patterns

Question 3

what is bioinformatics?

Answer 3

the development of software and computing tools needed to organise and analyse raw biological data
- using it we can make sense of and use information generated in DNA sequencing and profiling

Question 4

how are DNA analysis and profiling helping scientists?

Answer 4

• DNA analysis for species identification is becoming important in the understanding/ treatment of infections
• DNA profiling is used by scientists to identify different but closely related species

Question 5

what is DNA barcoding?

Answer 5

• looking at short genetic sequences from a part of the genome common to particular groups of organisms
• there are large scientific organisations that are developing DNA barcoding as a global standard for species identification

Question 6

how are DNA barcodes produced?

Answer 6

DNA extraction of fresh specimens / preserved specimens –> lab processes (DNA sequencing) –> managing barcode data

Question 7

what are the advantages of DNA barcoding?

Answer 7

• it will support taxonomy
• field instruments are being developed to analyse genes and identify species in their natural habitat
• a quick identification of a species makes it much easier to deal with the threat

Question 8

what are the disadvantages of DNA barcoding?

Answer 8

• it takes time to barcode all species of living organisms