Using genome projects

Question 1

What are genome projects?

Answer 1

• mapping DNA base sequences that make up the genes of an organism and then map these genes on an individual chromosome of an organism
• the human genome consists of over 3 billion pairs which are organised into 20,000 genes

Question 2

How is DNA sequencing done?

Answer 2

• whole genome shotgun sequencing
• involves researchers cutting DNA into smaller easily sequenced sections and using computer algorithims to assemble to entire genome

Question 3

How is the proteome linked to genome projects?

Answer 3

• determining the genome of simpler organisms allows the sequence of proteins that derive the genetic code to be determined, this is the proteome

Question 4

Why is determining the genome of simple organisms easier?

Answer 4

• most prokaryotes have one circular piece of DNA, not associated with histones
• There are no introns

Question 5

Why is the identification of a proteome of simple organisms useful?

Answer 5

• identification of proteins can act as antigens on the surface of pathogens, these antigens can be used in vaccines agaisnt diseases caused by pathogens
• identifying the proteomes of pathogens and viruses can allow outbreaks to be monitored and lead to better management of infection

Question 6

Why is determining the genome of complex organisms harder?

Answer 6

• contain large sections of introns
• Also contain complex regulatory genes which can determine if a gene is switched on and off, so it is difficult to deternine which parts of DNA are regulatory and non - coding

Question 7

What are the new sequencing methods?

Answer 7

• before, techniques were labour intensive and expensive but now techniques are automated and cost effective