SLIDE 36 Genomics
Glossary
Bioinformatics Typically refers to the field concerned with the collection and storage of biological information. All matters concerned with biological databases are
considered bioinformatics.
Capillary Electrophoresis A method for separating molecules extremely rapidly based on their electrophoretic mobility Comparative genomics is the analysis and comparison of genomes from different species. The nature and significance of differences between genomes also
provides a powerful tool for determining the relationship between genotype and phenotype through comparative genomics and morphological and physiological studies.
Computational biology Refers to the aspect of developing algorithms and statistical models necessary to analyze biological data through the aid of computers. DNA Micro Arrays (DNA Chip) Array of DNA (cDNA) anchored on substrate (often by robot) used for hybridization experiments Electrophoresis Separation of ionic molecules, by the differential migration through a gel according to the size and ionic charge of the molecules in an electrical field.
High resolution techniques normally use a gel support for the fluid phase.
Exon The sequences of the primary RNA transcript (or the DNA that encodes them) that exit the nucleus as part of a messenger RNA molecule. In the primary
transcript neighboring exons are separated by introns.
Functional genomics determines the functions of genes and other non-coding parts of the genome. The sequencing of the Human genome will leave many
questions unanswered, including the function of most of the estimated 30,000-40,000 human genes.
Genetic Linkage Map A map of the relative positions of genetic loci on a chromosome, determined onthe basis of how often the loci are inherited together. Distance
ismeasured in centimorgans (cM).
Genomics analysis of the structure and function of very large numbers of genes (often the entire genome) undertaken in a simultaneous fashion. Genotype The set of genes that an individual carries’ usually refers to a particular pair of alleles (alternative forms of genes) that a person has at that region of the
genome.
Halotypes Also used to refer to the set of alleles on one chromosome or a part of a chromosome, i.e. One set of alleles of linked genes. Its main current usage is in
connection with the linked genes of the major histocompatibility complex.
Homology Two anatomical structures or behavioural traits within different organisms which originated from a structure or trait of their common ancestral organism. Intron A noncoding sequence of DNA within a gene, that is transcribed into hnRNA but is then cut out of the message by RNA splicing in the nucleus, leaving a mature
mRNA that is then translated in the cytoplasm.
Karyotype the appearance of the chromosomes in a somatic cell of an individual or species, with reference to their number, size, shape, etc. Knockout Informal term for the generation of a mutant organism in which the function of a particular gene has been completely eliminated (a null allele). Phenotype The observable properties and physical characteristics of an organism (expression of genotype). Phylogentic Relating to phylogenesis, or the race history of a type of organism. Physical Linkage Map A map of the locations of identifiable landmarks on chromosomes. Physical distance is measured in base pairs. The physical map differs
from the genetic map which is based purely on genetic linkage data. In the human genome, the lowest-resolution physical map is the banding patterns of the 24 different
- chromosomes. The highest-resolution physical map is the complete nucleotide sequence of all chromosomes
Proteomics The study and analysis of protein structure and function. Becoming quite an important science with the mapping of several genomes, including the human
- ne, and the discovery of new proteins.
Pyrosequencing Pyrosequencing™ is sequencing by synthesis, a simple to use technique for accurate and consistent analysis of DNA sequences. Recombinant DNA Spliced DNA formed from two or more different sources that have been cleaved by restriction enzymes and joined by ligases. RNAi dsRNA added to certain organisms inhibits transcription of the RNA that was added Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Variation in a genome based on the alteration of a single base pair Splicing Process that removes introns from transcribed RNA Structural genomics includes the genetic mapping, physical mapping and sequencing of entire genomes.
