Human genomics

• What is the genome of an organism?


  It is its entire hereditary information encoded in DNA.
• What components make up a genome?


  A genome is made up of genes and other DNA sequences that don’t code for proteins, such as introns.
• What advancements have facilitated genomic sequencing?


  Advances in analytical techniques and faster, cheaper computer processing.
• How can computer programs assist in genomic sequencing?


  They can identify base sequences by looking for sequences similar to known genes.
• Why are computer and statistical analyses important in genomic sequencing?


  They are required to compare genome sequence data.
• What is bioinformatics?


  It is the use of computer technology to analyse DNA sequences.
• What is personalised medicine?


  It allows medical treatments to be tailored to a person’s exact requirements.
• What is pharmacogenetics?


  It is the use of genome information to allow for more appropriate choice of drugs to treat diseases.
• How can personalised medicine be utilized in pharmacogenetics?


  It uses an individual’s personal genome sequence to select the most effective drugs and dosage for treatment.
• How can an individual’s genome be analysed in relation to disease prediction?


  It can be analysed to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases.