8 The Control of Gene Expression- Genome Projects Flashcards
What is the genome?
Complete set of genes present in an organism
What factors does the genome consist of?
-Coding genes
-Non-coding genes
-Regulatory genes
What are coding genes and their function?
-Genes that contribute to proteome (complete set of proteins expressed by organism)
-Not all genes are used to produce proteins
-During transcription & translation, genes in genome are read + proteins are synthesised to be used in cells
What are non-coding genes/introns and where are they found?
-Sections of genome that don’t encode proteins
-There are large sections of non-coding DNA in complex organisms
What are regulatory genes and their functions?
Complex organisms have large amounts of regulatory genes; encode transcription factors, other proteins that interact w/ genome
-Gene expression= increased/decreased by proteins encoded by regulatory genes
-Very important in controlling cell processes, ensuring correct cells are doing the correct function
What are genome projects used for?
Used to determine sequences of proteins that derive from genetic code (proteome)
How are genome projects used in medical advances?
-Used to identify which genes are responsible for certain inherited diseases
-Once genes involved in disease are determined, potential targets for drug treatment can be identified
-Genetic testing is used to identify if individual has specific gene that may cause disease
-Gene therapy is used to replace defective genes w/ normal, healthy genes
What is biotechnology and how are genome projects used within this?
-The process of designing useful biological devices & systems to solve specific problems
-Genome projects can help us understand the best designs for biotechnology
How can genome projects be used to study evolutionary relationships?
-Can be used to make comparisons between individuals & between species
-Genetic similarities can be identified; helps us learn more about evolutionary relationships
-Can also be used in forensic testing & parent/child genetic matching (e.g paternity tests)
How have genome projects been used in genome sequencing + going forward?
-Methods used to sequence genome= constantly changing
-The Human Genome Project sequenced entire human genome in 2003—> took 15 years
-Now genome sequencing can be done in hours
-Could be used in many more ways in future as techniques continue to be improved
