Genome Sequencing and DNA Libraries (recording)

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to genome sequencing and DNA libraries, including definitions, techniques, and their significance in biological research.

What is genome sequencing?

The process of determining the sequence of the entire genome of an organism.

What are the two main types of DNA libraries?

Genomic DNA libraries and cDNA libraries.

What does a genomic DNA library represent?

The total genomic DNA of a single organism, covering all its chromosomes.

What does cDNA stand for?

Complementary DNA.

What is the primary use of cDNA in libraries?

To represent only the genes that are being expressed at the time of mRNA collection.

What is the function of reverse transcriptase?

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

What does the term 'contig' refer to in genome sequencing?

A contiguous sequence of DNA assembled from overlapping sequences.

What is Sanger sequencing?

A method of DNA sequencing based on the selective incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides.

Why was the Human Genome Project significant?

It aimed to identify all the genes in the human genome and determine the sequence of over 3 billion base pairs.

What is the difference between genomic DNA and cDNA libraries regarding introns?

Genomic DNA libraries contain both exons and introns, whereas cDNA libraries only contain exons since introns are spliced out during mRNA processing.

How do tumors form at the genetic level?

Tumors arise from mutations in genes that usually control cell division, often exacerbated by environmental factors.

What are model organisms, and why are they important in genomic studies?

Model organisms are non-human species used for biological research that help identify gene functions and interactions.

What is high-throughput sequencing?

Next-generation sequencing technologies that allow for the simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments.

What role does a reference sequence play in genome assembly?

It serves as a comparative framework to help align and assemble short sequenced fragments.