Lecture: Genetic & Environmental influences - Zika virus

Question 1

What is the Ka/Ks ratio?

Answer 1

Non-synonymous substitution rate / synonymous substitution rate. A high rate indicates rapid evolving of the protein encoded by the gene, and vice versa.

Question 2

What is the flynn effect?

Answer 2

Substantial and sustained increase in IQ scores measured in many parts of the world over the 20th century. Because:

• Schooling quality increased
• Improved nutrition

Question 3

What is the McDonald-Kreitman test?

Answer 3

A test that assesses whether a Ka/Ks ratio of a divergence pattern or polymorphism, exceeds the expected Ka/Ks ration by assessing intraspecies Ka/Ks ratio vs interspecies Ka/Ks ratio. Too see whether divergence pattern is highly variable or stagnant to other species.

Question 4

What cells does the Flavivirus (Zika) affect?

Answer 4

Human neural progenitor cells produce zika virus particles that infect other cells, and often die, leading to development of microcephaly. In addition, the virus dysregulates the cell cycle and transtiption in hNPCs.