Evolutionary Biology Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are some of the key fields in evolutionary biology?
Genomics (genes), transcriptomics (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA), proteomics (proteins), and metabolomics (metabolites, e.g., sugars, amino acids, lipids)
What is next-generation sequencing (NGS)?
Technology that allows for the simultaneous sequencing of millions to billions of DNA or RNA fragments.
What is the 3rd generation of DNA sequencing?
Gives much longer DNA than NGS, which makes it easier to put together
Why is it important to study genomes?
They provide vital information for survival and can help identify the causes of genetic conditions. They’re also crucial in personalized medicine, helping tailor treatments based on individual genetic makeups.
What is the Darwin Tree of Life project?
It aims to sequence the genomes of 70,000 species of eukaryotic organisms in the UK and Ireland
How is AI used in protein structure prediction?
AI, particularly deep learning models like AlphaFold, can predict protein structures with high accuracy.
How is transcriptomics used?
Measuring gene expression, discovering new transcripts and splice variants, understanding responses to stimuli, identifying disease biomarkers, and studying developmental processes
What is the germline?
The lineage of cells that produce gametes (sperm and eggs)
What is a germline-restricted chromosome (GRC)?
Chromosomes that are present in germ cells (cells involved in reproduction) but absent from somatic cells (all other body cells), e.g., this happens in songbirds
What are telomeres, and where are they located?
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that are located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes.
What are centromeres, and where are they located?
Centromeres are the constricted regions of a chromosome, serving as the primary binding site for the kinetochore. Their position varies between chromosomes
When did we get the first gapless human genome?
2022
What is evolutionary modeling?
Evolutionary modeling uses computational and mathematical approaches to study evolutionary processes, e.g., predicting flu strains for jabs
What was the Evolutionary Synthesis?
Darwin’s theory of natural selection was integrated with Mendelian genetics, providing a unified explanation for evolution consistent with both genetic mechanisms and naturalists’ observations.
