6.3.3

• What is genomics?

  The study of all genetic information
• Where is genetic information stored in an organism?

  In the DNA base sequences
• What does genomics help us understand about genes?

  How all genes work together in a species
• How does genomics relate to the characteristics of a species?

  It defines the characteristics through gene interactions
• What is the significance of VNTRs in DNA profiling?

  They show family resemblance and vary between individuals
• What are tandem repeats in DNA?

  Repetitive segments that vary in length
• What does VNTR stand for?

  Variable Number Tandem Repeats
• What are the main steps in the DNA fingerprinting process?

  1. Blood sample
  2. DNA is extracted from blood cells
  3. DNA is cut into fragments using restriction enzymes
  4. DNA fragments are separated into bands during electrophoresis
  5. Radioactive DNA probe is prepared
  6. Radioactive DNA probe is bound to DNA fragments
  7. X-ray film is placed near the membrane to detect the radioactive DNA probe
  8. DNA pattern is analyzed to identify the individual
• How does DNA fingerprinting work to identify individuals?

  • DNA contains unique sequences called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs)
  • VNTRs vary in length between individuals
  • DNA fingerprinting uses restriction enzymes to cut DNA into fragments
  • The fragments are separated by size using gel electrophoresis
  • A radioactive probe binds to the VNTR regions
  • The resulting banding pattern is unique to each individual
• What role do DNA base sequences play in genomics?

  They contain the genetic information of cells
• In which part of the organism's structure is genetic information found?

  In its cells
• Why is each individual's arrangement of VNTR lengths unique?

  Because they vary in length between individuals
• What is the first step in the DNA fingerprinting process?

  Blood sample
• Where do tandem repeats occur in the genome?

  At multiple locations
• What are the main types of repetitive DNA sequences?

  • Microsatellite
  • Minisatellite
  • Satellite DNA
• Why is the X-ray film placed near the membrane in the DNA fingerprinting process?

  To detect the radioactive DNA probe
• What is the formula to calculate the area of a circle with radius $r$?


  $A =$$\pi r^2$
• What are the main types of DNA transposons and RNA transposons?

  DNA transposons:

  • MITE
  • Crypton
  • Helitron
  • Maverick

  
  

  RNA transposons:

  • LTR
  • LINE
  • SINE
  • DIRS
  • PLE
• What do family-specific patterns in VNTRs indicate?

  They show genetic relationships within families
• How can VNTRs be used in paternity testing?

  They can identify or confirm paternity/maternity
• What are the main types of DNA sequences?

  • Single-copy DNA sequences
  • Repetitive DNA sequences
• What is the general structure of DNA transposons?

  They contain terminal inverted repeats and a transposase gene
• What are the different types of repetitive DNA sequences?

  • Moderately repetitive DNA sequences
  • Highly repetitive DNA sequences
  • Interspersed repetitive sequences
  • Tandem repetitive sequences
• How does DNA profiling relate to genomics?

  • Demonstrates uniqueness of individuals
  • Focuses on non-coding regions of DNA
  • Highlights genetic variation among people
• What is the general structure of non-LTR retrotransposons?

  They contain a 5'-UTR, ORF1, EN, RT, 3'-UTR, and a poly(A) tail
• What do tandem repeats contain?

  The same base sequence repeated multiple times
• What are the main steps shown in the DNA extraction and analysis process?

  1. Extraction
  2. Restriction enzyme
  3. Electrophoresis
  4. Transfer to membrane
  5. Incubation with labeled probes
  6. X-ray
• What are tandem repeats?

  Repetitive DNA segments next to each other
• What are the key differences between a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

  • SEMs produce 3D images, while TEMs produce 2D images
  • SEMs scan the surface of a sample, while TEMs transmit electrons through a thin sample
  • SEMs are better for studying surface features, while TEMs are better for internal cellular structures
• What are the key facts about tandem repeats?

  • Occur at multiple locations in genome
  • Length varies between individuals (10-100 base pairs)
  • Core sequence is conserved but repeats can vary
  • Most variable type is called VNTR (variable number tandem repeat)
• How does the length of tandem repeats vary?

  It varies between individuals from 10-100 base pairs
• What is conserved in tandem repeats?

  The core sequence is conserved
• How do the functions of DNA transposons and RNA transposons differ?

  DNA transposons move via a cut-and-paste mechanism, while RNA transposons move via a copy-and-paste mechanism
• How are DNA fragments separated in the profiling process?

  By size using electrophoresis
• Why are labeled probes used in DNA profiling?

  To detect specific DNA sequences
• What is the purpose of restriction enzymes in DNA profiling?

  To create VNTR fragments
• What is the first step in the DNA extraction process shown in the image?

  Extraction
• What are the main steps involved in DNA profiling?

  1. DNA extraction from source material
  2. Digestion with restriction enzymes to create VNTR fragments
  3. Separation via electrophoresis by size
  4. Transfer to membrane
  5. Incubation with labeled probes
  6. DNA fingerprint detection via X-ray
• What is done after the separation of DNA fragments?

  Transfer to membrane
• What is the most variable type of tandem repeat?

  Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)