Unity and diversity of genomes within species
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Question
Define a genome.
Answer
**All of the DNA** of an organism — its complete set of genetic instructions.
Question
What is whole genome sequencing?
Answer
Determining the **full order of bases** (A, T, C, G) across an organism's **entire genome**.
Question
Genome vs gene — what is the difference?
Answer
A **gene** is one instruction; a **genome** is the **whole instruction book** (all genes + the DNA between).
Question
Does a bigger genome mean a more complex organism?
Answer
**No** — some plants and amphibians have larger genomes than humans but are not more complex.
Question
Why does a large genome not mean more complexity?
Answer
Much of the extra DNA is **non-coding** — it does not code for proteins.
Question
What is the universal genetic code?
Answer
The same DNA bases code for the **same amino acids** in (almost) **every** living thing.
Question
How does the universal code support common ancestry?
Answer
All life inheriting the **same code** is best explained by descent from a **common ancestor**.
Question
Which cell could supply a complete copy of the human genome?
Answer
The nucleus of **almost any single body cell** (e.g. a white blood cell).
Question
Why is a gamete NOT a complete copy of the genome?
Answer
A gamete (egg or sperm) carries only **half** the genome.
Question
Give two present-day uses of whole genome sequencing.
Answer
**Diagnosing genetic disease / personalising treatment**, and **comparing genomes to map how species are related**.
Question
Give one ethical concern about genome sequencing.
Answer
Concerns over **privacy** and how a person's **genetic data** is stored and used.
Question
What does a 'Discuss' answer on sequencing need?
Answer
**Benefits AND a limitation/ethical concern**, then a clear overall **judgement**.
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Topic 1.6 hub
Diversity of organisms
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