8.3 - Using Genome Projects

Question 1

what is genome sequencing and why is it important?

Answer 1

● identifying the DNA base sequence of an organism’s genome
● so amino acid sequences of proteins that derive from an organism’s genetic code can be determined

Question 2

explain how determining the genome of a pathogen could allow vaccines to be developed

Answer 2

● could identify the pathogen’s proteome
● so could identify potential antigens (proteins that stimulate an immune response) to use in the vaccine

Question 3

suggest potential applications of genome sequencing projects

Answer 3

● identification of genes / alleles associated with genetic diseases / cancers
○ new targeted drugs / gene therapy can be developed
○ can screen patients, allowing early prevention / personalised medicine
● identification of species and evolutionary relationships

Question 4

explain why the genome cannot be directly translated into the proteome in complex organisms

Answer 4

● presence of non-coding DNA (eg. introns within genes do not code for polypeptides)
● presence of regulatory genes (which regulate expression of other genes, eg. by coding for miRNA)

Question 5

describe how sequencing methods are changing

Answer 5

● they have become automated (so are faster, more cost-effective and can be done on a larger scale)
● they are continuously updated