DNA Technology, Classification and Diversity

Question 1

Give three technologies that have been useful in classifying organisms

Answer 1

1. Genome sequencing
2. Comparing amino acid sequence
3. Immunological comparisons

Question 2

How has genome sequencing helped clarify evolutionary relationships?

Answer 2

Entire base sequences of an organisms DNA can be determined. The DNA base sequence of one organism can then be compared to the DNA base sequence of another organism, to see how closely related they are. Closely related species will have a higher percentage of similarity in their DNA base order

Question 3

How has comparing amino acid sequence helped clarify evolutionary relationships?

Answer 3

Proteins are made from amino acids. The sequence of amino acids in a proteins coded for by the base sequence in DNA. Related organisms have similar DNA sequences and so similar amino acid sequences in their proteins

Question 4

How has immunological compassion helped clarify evolutionary relationships?

Answer 4

Similar proteins will bind the same antibodies