Animal Comparitive Genome Analysis

Question 1

What is comparative genomics?

Answer 1

Research comparing the genomic features of different organisms
Including evolutionary relationships

Question 2

Orthologous

Answer 2

Share a common ancestor

Question 3

Paralogous

Answer 3

Genes copies were created by duplication = homologous

Question 4

Development of comparative genomics

Answer 4

• started 1980s comparing small RNA virus genomes
• first large scale study in 1986 = Zoster virus and Epstein-Barr virus. Over 100 genes each
  Has revealed since:
• similarity between closely related orgs e.g. humans and chimps
• similarity between distantly related orgs e.g. Humans and yeast
  1st genomes took 10 years and cost $3billion
  Now takes 2 days and costs $3000

Question 5

Benefits of comparative genomics

Answer 5

understanding of the genome
-genomic signals that control gene function across species
- what genes relate to different biological systems
Uses in medicine, agriculture, biotech and zoology
- Approaches to treating human disease
- health of domesticated animals
- Conserving endangered species
- studying evolution

Question 6

The human genome project

Answer 6

1990-2003
By national institute of health
- produced high quality version of human genome
- derived from several individuals (anonymous blood donors)
- public access: used for broad range of biomedical studies

Question 7

Some interesting results from comparative genomics

Answer 7

• 60% genes conserved between humans and fruit flies (share core set of genes)
• gene network underlying bird singing has applications in human speech and language
• mapped genes that increase yield of high fat milk in cows

Question 8

Inter species genomic comparison

Answer 8

Population based sequencing good for recent adaptations vs selection events over a long time are better studied across species
Can see if convergent or not.