9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

KEY CONCEPT Entire genomes are sequenced, studied, and compared.

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Genomics involves the study of genes, gene functions, and entire genomes. Why do we study genomics?

• Genomics is the study of genomes.– can include the sequencing of the genome– comparisons of genomes within and across species

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

• Gene sequencing is determining the order of DNA nucleotides in genes or in genomes.

• The genomes of several different organisms have been sequenced.

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

• The Human Genome Project has sequenced all of the DNA base pairs of human chromosomes.

– analyzed DNA from a few people

– still working to identify and map human genes

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Technology allows the study and comparison of both genes and proteins.

• Bioinformatics is the use of computer databases to organize and analyze biological data. Why do we use computers for this process?

• DNA microarrays are used to study the expression of many genes at once.

• Proteomics is the study and comparison of proteins.

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

KEY CONCEPT Genetics provides a basis for new medical treatments.

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

Genetic screening can detect genetic disorders. • Genetic screening involves the testing of DNA.

– determines risk of havingor passing on a geneticdisorder

– used to detect specificgenes or proteins

– can detect some genesrelated to an increasedrisk of cancer

– can detect some genesknown to cause geneticdisorders

– Would finding genes known to cause genetic disorders determine if you would get a disease?

DMD N

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

Think About It…

• Would you be in favor of mandatory screening of all newborns?

• Do you think certain rules or laws would need to be in place first?

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is the replacement of faulty genes.

• Gene therapy replaces defective or missing genes, or adds new genes, to treat a disease.

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

• Several experimental techniques are used for gene therapy.

– genetically engineered viruses used to “infect” a patient’s cells

– insert gene to stimulate immune system to attack cancer cells

– insert “suicide” genes into cancer cells that activate a drug

9.6 Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy

• Gene therapy has many technical challenges. Can you name one?– inserting gene into correct cells– controlling gene expression– determining effect on other genes

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Why is DNA fingerprinting able to identify people? • A. The number of repeats in each location varies from person to person. • B. The base sequence in each location varies from person to person. • C. Every person has different genes. • D. Every person has a unique restriction enzyme, which is analyzed in

fingerprinting.

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Why is DNA fingerprinting able to identify people? • A. The number of repeats in each location varies from person to person. • B. The base sequence in each location varies from person to person. • C. Every person has different genes. • D. Every person has a unique restriction enzyme, which is analyzed in

fingerprinting. • Correct Answer = A

What is the purpose of genetic screening? • A. to treat a person who has a genetic disorder • B. to find the right type of medication to cure a disorder • C. to replace mutated genes • D. to test DNA for the risk of having a genetic disorder

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Why is DNA fingerprinting able to identify people? • A. The number of repeats in each location varies from person to person. • B. The base sequence in each location varies from person to person. • C. Every person has different genes. • D. Every person has a unique restriction enzyme, which is analyzed in

fingerprinting. • Correct Answer = A

What is the purpose of genetic screening? • A. to treat a person who has a genetic disorder • B. to find the right type of medication to cure a disorder • C. to replace mutated genes • D. to test DNA for the risk of having a genetic disorder • Correct Answer = D

9.5 Genomics and Bioinformatics

Review

• Genomics involves the study of genes, gene functions, and entire genomes

• Technology allows the study and comparison of both genes and proteins

• Genetic screening is the examination of genes for possible issues

• Gene therapy is the replacement of faulty genes• Gene therapy has many potential benefits but several

obstacles before it can be used