Features of human genes

Question 1

Why do we want to have common features of human genes at our disposal?

Answer 1

Can help identify new genes

Question 2

What are 3 conserved promoter elements commonly found in human genes?

Answer 2

TATA boxes, CAAT boxes, Oct boxes

Question 3

What are 4 common features of human genes used in prediction algorithms?

Answer 3

1. Conserved promoter elements
2. Enhancer sequences
3. Coding region sequences
4. CpG islands

Question 4

What 4 common features of coding regions do we look for to predict genes?

Answer 4

1. ORFs
2. Start and stop codons
3. 5’ and 3’ splice sites
4. Polyadenylation signals

Question 5

What are CpG islands?

Answer 5

Regions with a high content of C followed immediately by a G

Question 6

Why is high GC content a predictor of genes in humans?

Answer 6

70% of human promoters are located in areas of high GC content

Question 7

How large are CpG islands?

Answer 7

300-3000 bp