Genomic Sequencing

Question 1

Describe ‘Genomic sequencing’?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Describe the use of computer programming in genomic sequencing?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How do we compare sequence data?

Answer 3

To compare sequence data, computer and
statistical analyses (bioinformatics) are
required.

Question 4

Describe the comparison of genomes from different species?

Answer 4

• Comparison of genomes reveals that many
  genes are highly conserved across different organisms.
• Many genomes have been sequenced,
  particularly of disease-causing organisms,
  pest species and species that are important model organisms for research.

Question 5

What is ‘Phylogenetics’?

Answer 5

Phylogenetics is the study of evolutionary history and relationships.

Question 6

How can we determine the sequence of events in evolution?

Answer 6

• Evidence from phylogenetics and molecular clocks has been used to determine the main sequence of events in evolution. The sequence of events can be determined using sequence data and fossil evidence.

Question 7

Describe ‘sequence data’

Answer 7

Sequence data is used to study the evolutionary relatedness among groups of organisms. Sequence divergence is used to estimate time lineages diverged.

Question 8

Comparison of sequences provides evidence for what?

Answer 8

the three domains of life - bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes.

Question 9

What have sequence data and fossil evidence been used for?

Answer 9

sequence data and fossil evidence have been used to determine the main sequence of events in evolution of life: cells, last universal ancestor, prokaryotes, photosynthetic organisms, eukaryotes, multicellularity, animals, vertebrates, land plants.

Question 10

Describe molecular clocks.

Answer 10

Molecular clocks are used to show when
species diverged during evolution. They
assume a constant mutation rate and show
differences in DNA sequences or amino
acid sequences. Therefore, differences in
sequence data between species indicate
the time of divergence from a common
ancestor.

Question 11

An individuals gene can be analysed for what?

Answer 11

An individuals gene can be analysed to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases.

Question 12

Describe pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine.

Answer 12

• Pharmacogenetics is the use of genome
  information in the choice of drugs.
• An individual’s personal genome sequence
  can be used to select the most effective
  drugs and dosage to treat their disease
  (personalised medicine).