Genome projects

Question 1

Why was sequencing the human genome a significant challenge?

Answer 1

The human genome consists of a massive number of base pairs (over 3 billion) and genes (around 20,000)

Question 2

What made sequencing the human genome possible?

Answer 2

The use of bioinformatics

Question 3

Define bioinformatics

Answer 3

The science of collecting and analysing complex biological data, such as genetic codes

Question 4

What tools does bioinformatics rely on?

Answer 4

Computers and algorithms

Question 5

What role do computers play in bioinformatics?

Answer 5

They read, store and organise biological data at a much faster rate than previously possible

Question 6

What is whole - genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing?

Answer 6

A method of sequencing an organism’s DNA by cutting it into small, easily sequenced sections and using computer algorithms to assemble overlapping segments into the entire genome

Question 7

Why is WGS sequencing effective for determining complete DNA base sequences?

Answer 7

It breaks DNA into small sections, making sequence manageable, and uses computer algorithm to align and assemble these sections efficiently

Question 8

How has DNA sequencing advanced medical screening?

Answer 8

It allows quick identification of potential medical problems, enabling early intervention and treatment

Question 8

What has increased the speed of whole-genome sequencing?

Answer 8

Advances in sequencing methods and increased automation of the processes involved

Question 9

What is one benefit of sequencing the DNA of different organisms?

Answer 9

It helps establish evolutionary links between species

Question 10

What role do computer algorithms play in DNA sequencing?

Answer 10

They align overlapping DNA segments to reconstruct the entire genome

Question 11

How does DNA sequencing contribute to evolutionary biology?

Answer 11

It enables the comparison of DNA sequences between species, helping to trace evolutionary relationships

Question 12

What is the proteome?

Answer 12

The proteome is all the proteins produced by the genome of an organism

Question 13

What determines whether a protein is produced from a gene?

Answer 13

A protein is only produced when a gene is switched on, and not all genes are switched on all the time

Question 14

What is the difference between the cellular proteome and the complete proteome?

Answer 14

The cellular proteome refers to all proteins produced in a specific cell type, while the complete proteome refers to all proteins produced by the entire organism

Question 15

What is the Human Microbiome Project?

Answer 15

A project sequencing the genomes of thousands of prokaryotic and single - celled eukaryotic organisms to cure diseases and exploit useful genes

Question 15

How does the complexity of an organism affect the determination of its genome and proteome?

Answer 15

It is easier to determine the genomes and proteomes of simple organisms than complex ones

Question 16

Why is determining the proteome of prokaryotic organisms like bacteria relatively easy?

Answer 16

1. Prokaryotes have a single, circular DNA molecule not associated with histones
2. They lack non - coding portions of DNA typical of eukaryotic cells

Question 17

What are the applications of knowing the proteome of bacteria?

Answer 17

1. Identification of proteins that act as antigens on human pathogens
2. Antigens can be used to develop vaccines against disease

Question 18

How do vaccines based on bacterial antigens work?

Answer 18

Antigens are manufactured and administered to people, triggering memory cell production. These cells initiate a secondary immune response if the antigen is encountered again

Question 19

What potential use do genes from extremophile organisms have?

Answer 19

They can be used in cleaning up pollutants or manufacturing biofuels due to their ability to withstand extreme or toxic environments

Question 19

What is the human genome, how many genes does it contain?

Answer 19

The human genome is the complete set of genetic material in humans, containing approximately 20,000 genes

Question 20

What is the proteome, how does it relate to the genome?

Answer 20

The proteome refers to the entire set of proteins that can be produced by the genome

Question 21

Why is translating the genome into the proteome challenging in complex organisms?

Answer 21

Complex organisms have many non - coding genes and regulatory sequences, making it difficult to predict the proteome directly from the genome

Question 22

How does individual genetic variation affect DNA mapping?

Answer 22

All individuals have different DNA sequences, so the DNA used for mapping will differ, even if only slightly, from everyone else’s DNA