Lecture 22 Flashcards
Define genomics
Branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping genomes
Define metagenomics
Study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples (aka: environmental genomics or community genomics)
Define synthetic genomics
Uses aspects of genetic modification on pre-existing life forms, or artificial gene synthesis to create new DNA/chromosomes or entire lifeforms; design and construction of new biological parts and/or systems that do not exist in the natural world OR the redesign of existing biological systems to perform new tasks
What is the value/importance of comparative genomic sequencing and what is it?
Science of comparison of genomic features among organisms; because all genomes presumably arose from a common ancestral genome, relationships between genomes help to identify significance of those features and help determine genotype-phenotype relationships
What is paleosequencing?
Study of past (evolutionary history) through the examination of preserved genetic material from the remains of ancient organisms (this is also comparative genomics)
How is genomics applied to medicine and human disease?
Can use advanced genomics-based information to empower individuals to shape their own health and shift the practice of medicine from reactive to proactive, personalized, and preventative
What is a restriction endonuclease?
Enzyme that cleaves DNA into fragments at or near specific recognition sites; to cut DNA, all restriction enzymes make two incisions, once through each sugar-phosphate backbone (each strand) of the DNA double helix
What does EcoRI digestion produce?
Sticky ends
What does Smal restriction enzyme cleavage produce?
Blunt ends
What is the importance of whole genome mutagenesis?
Can identify genes associated with specific traits
