Genomic Sequencing Flashcards
What is genomic sequencing?
Determining the sequence of nucleotide bases along a gene.
What can genomic sequencing find out?
It can be used to find out about individual genes and their functions, and the entire genome.
What is bioinformatics?
The name given to the fusion of molecular biology, statistical analysis and computer technology that is used to map and compare sequence data.
How do computer programs identify base sequences?
By looking for sequences similar to a known gene.
Why are genomes of different species compared?
To see if they have genes or sequences in common.
Many genes are highly conserved. What does this mean?
They are very similar in sequence across different species.
What is a molecular clock used for?
A molecular clock is used to show when species diverged during evolution.
How do molecular clocks work?
They assume a constant mutation rate and show differences in DNA sequences or amino acid sequences. Differences in sequence data show the time of divergence from a common ancestor.
What is phylogenetics?
The study of evolutionary history and relationships.
