Milan Exam Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is a key advantage of eDNA collection?
Non-invasive and Eco-friendly
eDNA collection does not disturb ecosystems and avoids harming organisms, especially important for monitoring endangered species.
What can a single water sample in eDNA analysis detect?
A wide range of aquatic species
This includes rare, elusive, or cryptic species.
How does eDNA demonstrate high sensitivity?
Allows for detection of species even at low abundance
This makes it suitable for early identification of changes in biodiversity.
What makes eDNA collection cost and time efficient?
Faster than traditional survey methods
It reduces fieldwork efforts compared to methods like trawling or visual observation.
What is a challenge associated with quantifying eDNA?
Cannot reliably estimate species density or biomass
This is due to varying DNA persistence and dilution in natural environments.
What limitation does eDNA have regarding species-specific information?
- Provides presence/absence data only
- cannot determine life stages, demographic structures, or reproductive status
It cannot determine life stages, demographic structures, or reproductive status.
Why does eDNA analysis depend on databases?
Accurate identification relies on comprehensive DNA reference databases
Missing data can hinder species-level identification.
What environmental factors can impact the detectability of eDNA?
Water temperature, pH, and microbial activity can degrade DNA
These factors can degrade eDNA, affecting its detectability.
What is the purpose of transcriptomic analyses in genetic studies?
- To compare gene expression profiles
- Identifies all genes impacted by pollutants.
This helps identify stress responses and adaptive mechanisms.
What techniques are used in transcriptomic analyses?
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
It identifies up- or down-regulated genes linked to pollutant stress.
What markers are used in population genetics to assess genetic diversity?
SNPs and microsatellites
These help detect selective pressure and adaptation to pollutants.
What can allele frequency changes indicate in population genetics?
Adaptation or reduced genetic diversity
This can result from pollution stress.
What is Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) used for?
- In Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) analysis, we are discussing pathways responding to pollutants
- GSE focuses on identifying molecular pathways or biological processes that show differential gene expression when organisms are exposed to pollutants or environmental stressors.
- This response can indicate how organisms are coping with, detoxifying, or being impacted by the pollutants.
- e.g. pathways like xenobiotic metabolism or apoptosis being regulated in response to pollution.
- are pathways up- or down-regulated?
Pathways involved in xenobiotic metabolism or apoptosis might show significant differences.
What does whole-genome sequencing detect in polluted environments?
Outlier loci under selection pressure
This is useful for understanding convergent evolution in tolerant populations.
What do functional approaches in genetic studies target?
- Investigates the specific functional impact of a pollutant on pathways or biological systems.
- Determining the role of AHR pathway genes in pollutant response or examining SNPs linked to resistance genes
An example is the AHR (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor) pathways.
What is the main advantage of eDNA in terms of ecosystem impact?
eDNA is non-invasive and eco-friendly, avoiding harm to organisms and ecosystems during collection
eDNA minimizes disturbance in natural habitats
How does eDNA help in assessing biodiversity?
A single water sample can detect a wide range of aquatic species, including rare, elusive, and cryptic species
This is crucial for monitoring ecosystem health
Why is eDNA considered time- and cost-efficient?
eDNA reduces fieldwork time and effort compared to traditional methods like trawling or visual observation, making it more economical
It allows researchers to cover larger areas with less resource investment
How sensitive is eDNA in detecting species?
eDNA can detect species at low abundance, enabling early detection of biodiversity changes
This sensitivity is vital for conservation efforts
What are the challenges of quantifying species with eDNA?
eDNA struggles to reliably estimate species density or biomass due to DNA persistence and dilution in the environment
This limitation can affect ecological assessments
What species-specific information does eDNA fail to provide?
eDNA does not reveal life stages, demographic structure, reproductive status, or population health
Understanding these factors is important for population management
Why is the availability of DNA databases important for eDNA?
Accurate identification relies on comprehensive DNA reference databases. Missing or incomplete data can hinder species-level identification
Robust databases are crucial for effective application of eDNA techniques
How do environmental factors impact eDNA detection?
Factors like temperature, pH, and microbial activity degrade eDNA, reducing its detectability
This degradation can influence study results and interpretations
What is the purpose of transcriptomic analyses in pollution studies?
To compare gene expression profiles and identify stress responses or adaptive mechanisms to pollutants
This helps in understanding how organisms respond to environmental changes
