Primer for Lecture on the Human Genome Project

vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of the human genome, DNA, chromosomes, sequencing, and early sequencing methods based on the provided notes.

Genome

All of the DNA in a cell.

Genomics

The study of genomes.

Chromosome

A structure that contains DNA; in humans, a typical cell has 23 pairs (46 total) of chromosomes.

Autosomes

The 22 pairs of chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes.

Sex chromosomes

The 23rd chromosome pair; determines sex (females typically XX, males typically XY).

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule made of building blocks that encodes biological instructions.

Nucleotides

The four building blocks of DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

Adenine (A)

One of the four DNA building blocks.

Thymine (T)

One of the four DNA building blocks.

Cytosine (C)

One of the four DNA building blocks.

Guanine (G)

One of the four DNA building blocks.

DNA sequence

The order of A, T, C, and G in the genome that encodes biological information.

Genomic letters per genome

Approximately 3 billion letters in a haploid genome; about 6 billion in a typical human diploid cell.

Genome variation

The genome of each person differs slightly from others; differences occur roughly once in every 1,000 positions.

Variants

Genomic differences; most are subtle, but some influence traits and health.

DNA sequencing

Laboratory technique to determine the exact sequence of nucleotides in DNA.

Sanger sequencing

Early DNA sequencing method (1977) developed by Fred Sanger; one of the first methods; initially manual with radioactive tags, later automated with fluorescent tags and higher throughput.

Fred Sanger

Scientist who developed Sanger sequencing; Nobel Prize laureate.

Fluorescent tags

Fluorescent labels used in automated DNA sequencing to read sequences quickly.

Throughput

The amount of data or sequences produced in a given time; increased from manual, low-throughput methods to automated, high-throughput methods.