SACE Biology Topic 2: Evolution - H-2 Comparative Genomics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in comparative genomics, sequencing techniques, and phylogenetics from the notes.

DNA-DNA hybridisation

A technique that measures genomic DNA similarity by denaturing DNA from two species

Molecular clock

Method that uses the rate of molecular changes to estimate the time since two species diverged from a common ancestor.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram representing evolutionary relationships among organisms, showing ancestry and divergence.

Mutation (DNA)

Random changes in the DNA sequence.

Somatic mutation

Mutation in body cells that aren’t passed to offspring.

Germline mutation

Mutation in germ cells that can be inherited by offspring.

Adaptation

Beneficial mutation that improves an organism's, hence is passed on to offspring.

DNA sequencing

Determining the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule - used to compare genomes and genes.

rRNA gene sequencing

Sequencing ribosomal RNA genes to study evolutionary relationships.

Conserved regions

DNA or protein sequences that remain relatively unchanged throughout evolution.