Saturday, March 6, 2010

Chapter twenty one: genomes and their evolution

Q1: what is genimics?
A1: with the genimes of many species fully sequenced, scientists can study whole sets of genes and their interactions.
Q2: what is bioinformatics?
A2: the applicaiton of computational methods to the storage and analysis of biological data.
Q3: how can we determin genime evolution?
A3: by comparing genome sequences provides clues to evolution and development
Five Facts:
1. new approaches have accelerated the pace of genome sequencing
2. scientists use bioinformatics to analyze genomes and their function
3. genome vary in size, number of genes, and gene density
4. multicellular eukaryotes have much noncoding DNA and many multigene families
5. duplication, rearrangmnent, and mutation of DNA contribute to genome evolution

Figure:

movement of transposons by either the cut-and-paste mechanism or the copy-and-paste mechanism incolves a double-stranded DNA intermediate that is inserted into the genome.
Summary:
One of the great achievements of modern science has been the sequencing of the human genomeProgress began with the development of techniques for making recombinant DNA, in which genes from twodifferent sources—and often different species—are combined in vitro into the same molecule.The methods for making recombinant DNA are central to genetic engineering, the direct manipulation ofgenes for practical purposes. Applications include the introduction of a desired gene into the DNA of a host that will produce thedesired protein.
DNA technology has launched a revolution in biotechnology, the manipulation of organisms or theircomponents to make useful products. Practices that go back centuries, such as the use of microbes to make wine and cheese and the selectivebreeding of livestock, are examples of biotechnology. These techniques exploit naturally occurring mutations and genetic recombination. Biotechnology based on the manipulation of DNA in vitro differs from earlier practices by enablingscientists to modify specific genes and move them between organisms as distinct as bacteria, plants, andanimals. DNA technology is now applied in areas ranging from agriculture to criminal law, but its most importantachievements are in basic research.
three-stage approach to genome seuencing.
Video: