Genomics, proteomics, gene, protein, genotype, and phenotype.

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1. Explain the relationship among the following terms: genomics, proteomics, gene, protein, genotype, and phenotype.
2. Compare the structure and functions of DNA and RNA.
Structure Function
DNA
RNA
3. You are a public health official trying to determine the identity of the pathogen circulating within your city. Explain which genetic technologies would be most useful in this process.
4. Summarize the goal of the Human Genome Project and discuss three new fields of science that have developed from this research.

 

 

Sample Solution

  1. Relationships Between Biological Terms:
  • Gene: The fundamental unit of heredity; a DNA sequence that codes for a protein or RNA molecule.
  • Protein: A complex molecule made up of amino acids that carries out various functions within the cell.
  • Genotype: An organism’s complete set of genetic information, including all its genes.
  • Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environmental influences.

Relationship:

  • Genes are the instructions written in DNA that tell the cell how to make proteins.
  • Genotype is the blueprint, while phenotype is the resulting product (the organism’s traits).
  • Proteomics studies the complete set of proteins in an organism, while genomics focuses on all the genes.
  1. Structure and Function of DNA vs. RNA:
Feature DNA RNA
Structure Double helix, two sugar-phosphate backbones linked by nitrogenous bases (A, T, C, G) Single or double stranded, sugar-phosphate backbone linked by various bases (A, U, C, G)
Sugar Deoxyribose Ribose
Bases Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G)
Function Stores genetic information, blueprint for life Carries out various functions: – mRNA (messenger RNA): carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. – rRNA (ribosomal RNA): forms part of ribosomes, the protein-building machinery. – tRNA (transfer RNA): transports amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

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  1. Identifying a City’s Pathogen:

As a public health official, several genetic technologies would be crucial for identifying the circulating pathogen:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This technique amplifies specific DNA sequences, allowing for rapid detection of pathogens even if present in low quantities. By targeting specific viral or bacterial DNA sequences, PCR can identify the culprit.
  • DNA Sequencing: Once a potential pathogen is identified through PCR, sequencing its entire genome can provide detailed information about the specific strain and its potential virulence.
  • Next-generation Sequencing (NGS): This advanced technique can rapidly sequence the entire genome of an organism, including unknown pathogens. This is particularly valuable in identifying novel or emerging infectious agents.
  1. Human Genome Project and New Fields of Science:

Goal of the Human Genome Project:

The Human Genome Project (HGP), completed in 2003, aimed to map and sequence all the genes in the human genome. It provided a complete set of human genetic instructions.

New Fields of Science:

  1. Personalized Medicine: Understanding individual genetic variations allows for tailored medical approaches based on a person’s unique genetic makeup. This can lead to more effective treatments and preventive measures.
  2. Pharmacogenomics: This field studies how individual genetic variations influence drug response. This knowledge allows for personalized medication selection and dosing to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.
  3. Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 allow for editing genes, potentially leading to cures for genetic diseases. However, this field raises significant ethical concerns that need careful consideration.

 

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