Chapter 10 - Microbial Genomics

A set of flashcards designed to help students learn key vocabulary terms related to microbial genomics, as covered in the lecture.

Genome

The entire complement of genetic information in an organism, including genes, regulatory sequences, and noncoding DNA.

Genomics

The discipline of mapping, sequencing, analyzing, and comparing whole genomes.

Omics

Integrating different methodologies to characterize and quantify large pools of biomolecules.

Metagenomics

The analysis of total DNA or RNA from a given environmental sample containing organisms that have never been isolated.

Bioinformatics

The application of computational techniques to analyze biological data, especially in genomics.

Sanger Sequencing

A method for determining the precise order of nucleotides in DNA or RNA, originally involving the use of dideoxynucleotides.

NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing)

A modern sequencing technology that allows for rapid sequencing of larger genomes compared to traditional methods.

Functional Genomics

The study of gene functions and interactions within an organism's genome.

Transcriptome

The complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific circumstances.

Proteome

The entire set of proteins that can be expressed by the genetic material of an organism.

Metabolome

The complete set of metabolites in a biological sample, providing a snapshot of metabolic processes.

CRISPR

A technology used for genome editing that is derived from a bacterial immune system.

Annotation

The process of converting raw sequence data into a list of genes and other functional sequences.

ORF (Open Reading Frame)

A sequence of DNA that can be translated into a protein.

Variable sites

Locations in the genome that differ among individuals or species, important for studying genetic diversity.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Epigenome

The total epigenetic changes that regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence.

Mobilome

The total set of mobile genetic elements, including transposons and plasmids, within a genome.

Resistome

The total set of antibiotic resistance genes found within a microbial community.

Intron

Noncoding sections of a gene that are spliced out before mRNA is translated into protein.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

An RNA molecule that transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

A component of the ribosome that facilitates the translation of mRNA into protein.

Hypothetical proteins

Proteins that are predicted to exist based on genomic data but whose function is currently unknown.

Metatranscriptomics

The study of RNA transcripts of a community of organisms to understand gene expression patterns.

Metaproteomics

The study of the entire set of proteins expressed in a community of organisms.

Microarray

A technology used to measure the expression levels of many genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome.

RNA-Seq

A revolutionary technique that allows for the sequencing of RNA to analyze gene expression.

Horizontal gene transfer

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than through vertical transmission (gene inheritance).

Pathogen

An organism, often a microbe, that can cause disease.

Algal epibiont

A type of organism that lives on the surface of algae.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating small amounts of ATP.

Sporulation

The process of spore formation, often triggered by nutrient deprivation.

Bacteriocin

A protein produced by bacteria that inhibits the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains.

Quorum sensing

A regulatory system used by bacteria to sense and respond to cell population density.

CRISPR-Cas

A system used by bacteria for defense against viruses, now repurposed for genome editing in other organisms.

Endospores

A tough, dormant structure formed by some bacteria that allows them to survive in extreme conditions.

In Vivo

Experiments or processes conducted in living organisms.

In Vitro

Experiments or processes conducted outside of living organisms, typically in a controlled environment like a test tube.

Microbiome

The total complement of microorganisms residing in a particular environment.

Virome

The complete set of viruses present in a specific environment.

Mycobiome

The complete set of fungi found in a particular environment.