Using genome projects

Question 1

Define ‘genome’ and ‘proteome’

Answer 1

Genome
The complete set of genes in a cell
Proteome
The full range of proteins that a cell can produce (coded for by the cell’s DNA / genome)

Question 2

What is genome sequencing and why is it important?

Answer 2

● Identifying the DNA base sequence of an organism’s genome
● So amino acid sequences of proteins that derive from an organism’s genetic code can be determined

Question 3

Explain how determining the genome of a pathogen could allow vaccines to
be developed

Answer 3

● Could identify the pathogen’s proteome
● So could identify potential antigens (proteins that stimulate an immune response) to use in the vaccine

Question 4

Suggest some other potential applications of genome sequencing projects

Answer 4

● Identification of genes / alleles associated with genetic diseases / cancers
○ New targeted drugs / gene therapy can be developed
○ Can screen patients, allowing early prevention / personalised medicine
● Identification of species and evolutionary relationships

Question 5

Explain why the genome cannot be directly translated into the proteome in
complex organisms

Answer 5

● Presence of non-coding DNA (eg. introns within genes do not code for polypeptides)
● Presence of regulatory genes (which regulate expression of other genes, eg. by coding for miRNA)

Question 6

Describe how sequencing methods are changing

Answer 6

● They have become automated (so are faster, more cost-effective and can be done on a larger scale)
● They are continuously updated