key area 1.8 - genomic sequencing

Question 1

genomic sequencing

Answer 1

• determining the order of nucleotide bases in a section of DNA
• can be determined for individual genes or entire genomes

Question 2

bioinformatics

Answer 2

• to compare sequence data, computers and use of statistical packages are required

Question 3

phylogenetic

Answer 3

• the study of evolutionary relatedness amongst groups of organisms using sequence data

Question 4

categories of organism that have had genome sequenced

Answer 4

• disease carrying
• pests
• model organism for research

Question 5

divergence

Answer 5

• separation of two groups in a phylogenetic tree when their genomes acquire mutations and they become different from one another

Question 6

conserved

Answer 6

• DNA sequences found to be very similar in the genomes of two organisms being compared

Question 7

model organism

Answer 7

• species important for research as it possess genes equivalent to human genes responsible for inherited disorders

Question 8

molecular clock

Answer 8

• molecular clocks measure the number of mutations that accumulate in a DNA sequences found overtime using sequence data
• information used to date back when organisms originated and diverged from one another

Question 9

problem with molecular clocks

Answer 9

• assumes mutation rate is constant so is less accurate when dating back further in time

Question 10

phylogenetic tree

Answer 10

• branching diagram showing evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms based on sequence data and fossil evidence

Question 11

domains

Answer 11

• bacteria
• archaea (prokaryotes living in extreme conditions)
• eukaryotes

Question 12

events in evolution of life

Answer 12

from most recent to longest ago :
- land plants
- vertebrates
- animals
- multicellular organisms
- eukaryotic cells
- first organisms capable of photosynthesis
- last universal ancestor
- cells (similar to prokaryotes)
- life on earth

Question 13

pharmacogenetics

Answer 13

• study of genomes related to personalised medicine
• customising medical treatment to suit an individuals exact metabolic requirements
• advantages : increase drug efficiency, reduces side effects
• disadvantages : data may get into wrong hands eg life insurance companies (won’t provide due to potential chronic diseases) - genetic discrimination