Bioinformatics: Questions and Answers

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Topic 1: Navigating and Understanding NCBI Database

In a few sentences, explain why bioinformatics is such an important discipline for understanding gene structure and function.

Bioinformatics is very update with the information about the gene structure and function. It can locate a gene within a sequence as well as predict the structure and or function of a particular gene. By applying bioinformatics to understand different biological processes, it allows a more global perspective in design, to test hypotheses about a gene or a protein and as well as allowing us the ability to take advantage of upcoming technology.

How many exons does the ERS1 estrogen receptor contain?

ERS1 contains 10 exons.

What does the ATG code for and what is the role of the ATG?

ATG codes for start and the role of ATG is to start the translation process of the gene.

The sequence of the stop codon is TGA. What is the role of the stop codon?

The role of the stop codon is to stop the translation process of the gene.

What does CDS stand for? What is the difference between the gene and the CDS?

CDS stands for coding DNA sequence. CDS refers to the portion of the DNA sequence that is translated i.e. coding sequence.

CDS are the portion of a gene’s DNA which is composed of exons, that codes for a protein. The gene is a locatable region of genomic sequence composed of nucleic acids, that code for mRNAs.

What is the function of the polyA-signal?

The function of the polyA_signal is to dissociate the ribosome that is translating the gene, adds a PolyA tail to cut transcription and add on a long chain of adenine nucleotides to increase the stability of a molecule.

Topic 2: Understanding Gene Function

Why are the UTRs important components of an mRNA sequence?

UTRs are an important component of an mRNA sequence because they are involved in regulation and stability of translation.

Why are ORFs important and what is the consequence of a STOP codon inserted into a protein coding sequence?

ORFs (open reading frame) are important because it is located before the transcription termination point which is beyond the translation stop codon. If a stop codon were to be inserted into a protein coding sequence then transcription would cease and an incomplete protein would be made which could either be harmful or harmless.

What is post-translational modification?

Post-translated modification is when proteins are being modified after they're made, being either activated or inactivated.

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