genome projects

what is genome sequencing?

identifying the entire DNA base sequence for all the DNA in a cell

what is a genome?

the complete set of DNA / genetic material within an organism

give 5 aims of the Human Genome Project:

• to identify all of the genes in the human genome

• to find the location of all genes

• to determine sequences of the base of the base pairs which make up human DNA

• to find the functions of different genes

• to publish the results on a public database

what does determining the genome of simpler organisms allow?

allows the sequences of the proteins that derive from the genetic code i.e. proteome of the organism to be determined

what is the proteome?

sequences of the proteins that derive from the genetic code of an organism

give one application of the determination of the proteome through genome sequencing:

identification of potential antigens for use in vaccine production

why might it be difficult to translate the knowledge of genome to the proteome?

more complex organisms have non coding DNA and regulatory genes which may make it more difficuly

what are SNPs?

single nucleotide polymorphisms - single base variations in DNA associated w/ disease/disorders

why is the identification of SNPs useful?

allows diseases/disorders to be diagnosed before symptoms appear which could then allow early intervention/treatment before progression of disease/disorder

why is the sequencing of DNA useful to evolutionary biologists?

similarities in DNA indicate the closeness of the evolutionary relationship between species

give 8 ethical objections to the human genome project:

• people may be put under undue pressure to not have children/terminate pregnancies

• increases pressure for germ line therapy to prevent children inheriting genetic conditions

• embryo has no choice/say in the matter

• may lead to discrimination with jobs

• may lead to serious issues with insurance (life/medical etc.)

• may lead to ‘designer babies’ with selection for specific fashionable characteristics

• human rights/personal freedom - may be seen as intrusion/infringement of civil liberties

• data protection issues - widely available so anyone has access to your genetic information

what does an uppercase letter represent in genetic code?

coding DNA

what does a lowercase letter represent in genetic code?

non coding DNA