1.8 Genomic Sequencing Flashcards
Define ‘genomic sequencing’
process where the sequence of nucleotide bases is determined for individual genes and/or entire genomes
Define ‘bioinformatics’
comparing DNA sequence data using computer and statistical analyses
What does it mean if a gene is highly conserved?
They have a similar DNA base sequences across different organisms
e.g. ATP synthase is highly conserved due to its importance
State the three types of organisms that are often sequenced?
- Disease causing organisms
- Pest species
- Model organisms
Define ‘ phylogenetics’
the study of evolutionary history and relationships. It uses sequence data to study the evolutionary relatedness among groups of organisms.
What does sequence divergence (differences in DNA sequences) indicate?
the time of divergence from a common ancestor
If two organisms have a high sequence divergence this tells us what about how long ago they diverged from a common ancestor?
They likely diverged very long ago
Define ‘common ancestor’
An ancestor that two (or more) species have evolved from.
e.g. humans an chimps share a common ancestor ~6-10mya
What does a molecular clock show?
show when species diverged during evolution
State the two types of information a molecular clock relies on?
- DNA sequence data
- Fossil record
State the three domains of life?
- Bacteria
- Archaea
- Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes are found in both bacteria and archaea
List the main sequence of events in the evolution of life
- The last universal ancestor
- The time when prokaryotes and eukaryotes emerged and separated
- When photosynthesis emerged
- When multicellular organisms emerged
- When animals emerged
- When vertebrates emerged from animals
- When land plants emerged
The point where two lines meet in a phylogenetic tree shows what?
A common ancestor beloning to the species those lines originated from
Explain how genomic sequencing can help identify risk of disease?
An individual’s genome can be analysed to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases.
Define ‘pharmacogenetics’
This is the use of genome information in the choice of drugs.
Define ‘personalised medicine’
An individual’s personal genome sequence can be used to select the most effective drugs and dosage to treat their disease.
