Using DNA sequencing

Bioinformatics

The development of software & computing tools (e.g. algorithms, statistical tests) needed to organise & analyse raw biological data

Explain how bioinformatics is used in the production of useful proteins in synthetic biology

• Stores & organises large amounts of data

• Databases of:

  • DNA and amino acid sequences

  • Protein structures

  • Metabolic pathways

• Facilitates fast retrieval and sharing of information

Computational Biology

Uses data from bioinformatics to build theoretical models of biological systems, which can be used to predict what will happen in diff circumstances

• Analyses large amounts of data

Explain how computational biology is used in the production of useful proteins in synthetic biology

• Needed for analysis of large amounts of data

• Rapid processing of data

• Prediction of amino acid sequences

• Modelling of protein structure or function

• Algorithms and statistical tests

How has bioinformatics contributed to biological research into epidemiology?

• Bioinformatics allows scientists to store & analyse large datasets of pathogen genomes.

• Genomes of disease-causing organisms can be sequenced and compared.

• Scientists can identify mutations and new strains of pathogens.

• Comparisons of genomes help track how a disease is spreading through populations.

• Computational models can be used to predict patterns of disease transmission and the likely impact of control measures.

• This information can help public health organisations develop strategies to monitor, prevent and control outbreaks.

In terms of vaccines, how can bioinformatics be used?

Scientists can identify regions in the genome of pathogens that may be useful targets in the development of new drugs & to identify genetic markers for use in vaccines.

How has bioinformatics contributed to biological research into genotype-phenotype relationships?

• Large genomic databases allow scientists to compare DNA sequences (genotypes) between individuals.

• Researchers can identify genes or alleles associated with particular characteristics (phenotypes).

• Statistical analysis can reveal links between genetic variation and observable traits.

• This helps scientists understand how genes influence characteristics and diseases.

• It can be used to identify genes involved in inherited disorders.

How has DNA sequencing contributed to the search for evolutionary relationships?

DNA sequences of different organisms can be compared

• Basic mutation rate of DNA can be calculated, so scientists can calculate how long ago 2 species diverged from a common ancestor.

• DNA sequencing enables scientists to build up evolutionary trees with an accuracy they have never had before.

How had bioinformatics & computational bio contributed to searching for evolutionary relationships

• DNA, RNA or amino acid sequences from different organisms compared.

• Greater the similarity in sequences, the more closely related the organisms are likely to be.

• Computer analysis can identify patterns of similarity and difference between species.

• The data can be used to construct phylogenetic trees showing evolutionary relationships.

• This helps scientists investigate common ancestry and evolutionary history.

Synthetic Biology

• The design & construction of novel biological pathways, organisms or devices.

• The redesign of existing natural biological systems

Different techniques that synthetic biology includes (4)

1. Genetic engineering

2. Use of whole or parts of biological systems in industrial contexts,e.g., use of fixed or immobilised enzymes & drug production from m.os

3. Synthesis of new genes to replace faulty genes,

4. Synthesis of an entire new organism.