[47] Pathway Analysis and Functional Genomics

Question 1

What is Pathway Analysis?

Answer 1

The study of the ways in which different components of a system interact to affect the system’s overall function.

Question 2

What is Functional Genomics?

Answer 2

The study of the relationship between an organism’s genome and its phenotype.

Question 3

What is the primary goal of Functional Genomics?

Answer 3

To understand the roles and interactions of genes and proteins in a biological system.

Question 4

How does Pathway Analysis contribute to Functional Genomics?

Answer 4

It helps identify networks of genes or proteins that interact to perform a biological function, which can provide insight into the functional role of individual genes.

Question 5

What are the primary tools used in Pathway Analysis?

Answer 5

Bioinformatics software and databases that contain information about known biological pathways and interactions.

Question 6

What are some applications of Functional Genomics?

Answer 6

• Disease research
• Drug discovery
• Bioengineering
• Agriculture

Question 7

How does Functional Genomics differ from traditional genomics?

Answer 7

Traditional genomics focuses on sequencing and mapping of the genome, while functional genomics focuses on understanding the function of genes and their interactions.

Question 8

What are some methods used in Functional Genomics?

Answer 8

• Gene knockouts
• RNA interference
• Transcriptomics
• Proteomics

Question 9

Define the term “Gene Knockout”.

Answer 9

A genetic technique in which one of an organism’s genes is made inoperative.

Question 10

What is RNA interference?

Answer 10

A biological process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression.

Question 11

How does Proteomics contribute to Functional Genomics?

Answer 11

By studying the function and interaction of proteins (the products of genes), it can provide insight into gene function.

Question 12

How can Pathway Analysis contribute to disease research?

Answer 12

It can identify disrupted pathways in diseases, which can be targets for therapeutic interventions.

Question 13

What is a Biological Pathway?

Answer 13

A series of actions among molecules in a cell that leads to a certain product or a change in the cell.

Question 14

How can Functional Genomics contribute to personalized medicine?

Answer 14

By understanding the function of genes and their variations in individuals, it can inform the development of personalized treatment strategies.

Question 15

What role does bioinformatics play in Pathway Analysis?

Answer 15

It provides the tools and methods needed to analyze and visualize complex pathway data.

Question 16

What are some challenges of Functional Genomics?

Answer 16

Some challenges include the complexity of biological systems, the large scale of genomic data, and the difficulty of linking genotype to phenotype.

Question 17

Define the term “Phenotype”.

Answer 17

The observable physical properties of an organism, including its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior.

Question 18

Define the term “Genotype”.

Answer 18

The genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits.

Question 19

How can Pathway Analysis be used in drug discovery?

Answer 19

It can identify target pathways that can be modulated by drugs to treat diseases.

Question 20

What is Bioengineering?

Answer 20

The application of concepts and methods of biology to solve real-world problems related to life sciences or the application thereof, using engineering’s own analytical and synthetic methodologies.