Unit 1 - Human Genomics

Question 1

Define Genome

Answer 1

The genome of an organism is its entire hereditary information encoded in DNA

Question 2

What is the genome made up of?

Answer 2

Coding and non-coding sequences

Question 3

What is Human Genomics?

Answer 3

Human genomics involves determining the sequence of the nucleotide base molecules of all the DNA of the genome.

This information can then be used to find out more about the genes are their functions

Question 4

What is bioinformatics?

Answer 4

It is a computer technology that stores, organises and statistically analyses sequencing information.​

Genome mapping can now be carried out rapidly​

This is used to investigate evolutionary biology, inheritance and personalised medicine.

Question 5

Talk about Bioinformatics in relation to SNP’s

Answer 5

Bioinformatics has allowed a catalogue of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their exact locations in the genome​

SNPs caused by point mutations and are a valuable tool in research and may aid in the development of treatments for disease

Question 6

What is Pharmacogenetics

Answer 6

An individual’s genome can be analysed to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases.

Pharmacogenetics is the use of genome information in the choice of drugs

Question 7

Describe Personalised Medicine

Answer 7

Personalised medicine may be prescribed as a result of genomic sequencing​

An individual’s personal genome sequence can be used to select the most effective drugs and dosage to treat their disease​

This is known as personalised medicine