Genome projects Flashcards
Why was sequencing the human genome a significant challenge?
The human genome consists of a massive number of base pairs (over 3 billion) and genes (around 20,000)
What made sequencing the human genome possible?
The use of bioinformatics
Define bioinformatics
The science of collecting and analysing complex biological data, such as genetic codes
What tools does bioinformatics rely on?
Computers and algorithms
What role do computers play in bioinformatics?
They read, store and organise biological data at a much faster rate than previously possible
What is whole - genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing?
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
Why is WGS sequencing effective for determining complete DNA base sequences?
It breaks DNA into small sections, making sequence manageable, and uses computer algorithm to align and assemble these sections efficiently
How has DNA sequencing advanced medical screening?
It allows quick identification of potential medical problems, enabling early intervention and treatment
What has increased the speed of whole-genome sequencing?
Advances in sequencing methods and increased automation of the processes involved
What is one benefit of sequencing the DNA of different organisms?
It helps establish evolutionary links between species
What role do computer algorithms play in DNA sequencing?
They align overlapping DNA segments to reconstruct the entire genome
How does DNA sequencing contribute to evolutionary biology?
It enables the comparison of DNA sequences between species, helping to trace evolutionary relationships
What is the proteome?
The proteome is all the proteins produced by the genome of an organism
What determines whether a protein is produced from a gene?
A protein is only produced when a gene is switched on, and not all genes are switched on all the time
What is the difference between the cellular proteome and the complete proteome?
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
What is the Human Microbiome Project?
A project sequencing the genomes of thousands of prokaryotic and single - celled eukaryotic organisms to cure diseases and exploit useful genes
How does the complexity of an organism affect the determination of its genome and proteome?
It is easier to determine the genomes and proteomes of simple organisms than complex ones
Why is determining the proteome of prokaryotic organisms like bacteria relatively easy?
- Prokaryotes have a single, circular DNA molecule not associated with histones
- They lack non - coding portions of DNA typical of eukaryotic cells
What are the applications of knowing the proteome of bacteria?
- Identification of proteins that act as antigens on human pathogens
- Antigens can be used to develop vaccines against disease
How do vaccines based on bacterial antigens work?
Antigens are manufactured and administered to people, triggering memory cell production. These cells initiate a secondary immune response if the antigen is encountered again
What potential use do genes from extremophile organisms have?
They can be used in cleaning up pollutants or manufacturing biofuels due to their ability to withstand extreme or toxic environments
What is the human genome, how many genes does it contain?
The human genome is the complete set of genetic material in humans, containing approximately 20,000 genes
What is the proteome, how does it relate to the genome?
The proteome refers to the entire set of proteins that can be produced by the genome
Why is translating the genome into the proteome challenging in complex organisms?
Complex organisms have many non - coding genes and regulatory sequences, making it difficult to predict the proteome directly from the genome
How does individual genetic variation affect DNA mapping?
All individuals have different DNA sequences, so the DNA used for mapping will differ, even if only slightly, from everyone else’s DNA
