1.5 - The Structure Of The Genome

Question 1

What is a genone?

Answer 1

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

DNA sequences that code for protein are defined as genes.

A genome is made up of genes and other DNA sequences that do not code for proteins.

Question 2

Genomic sequencing

Answer 2

Genomics is the study of genomes.

In Genomic sequencing, the sequence of nucleotide bases can be determined for individual genes for entire genomes.

Question 3

Bioinfromatics

Answer 3

Bioinfromatics is the comparing of sequence data using computer programmes and statistical analysis.

Bioinfromatics can be used to identify base sequences by looking for sequences similar to known genes.

Question 4

Pharmogenetics and personalised medicine - individuals genome

Answer 4

An individuals genome can be analysed to predict the liklihood of developing certain diseases.

Question 5

Pharmacogenetics

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Personalised medicine

Answer 6

In the future in personalised medicine:

An individuals personalised genome sequence can be used to select the most effective drugs and dosage to treat their disease.

This branch of science is still in its infancy but it is likely to be used to improve the effectiveness of medical treatment.