Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

19. Genomics

Genomes

General Biology

19. Genomics

Genomes

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1:13 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Explain how RNA-seq can be used to analyze patterns of gene expression.

Verified step by step guidance

RNA-seq, or RNA sequencing, is a technique used to analyze the quantity and sequences of RNA in a sample. It provides insights into gene expression patterns by measuring the presence and quantity of RNA transcripts.

The process begins with the isolation of RNA from the biological sample. This RNA is then converted into complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcription, as RNA is less stable for sequencing.

Once the cDNA is prepared, it is fragmented and sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technologies. This generates millions of short sequence reads that represent the RNA present in the sample.

The sequence reads are then aligned to a reference genome or transcriptome. This step helps identify which genes are being expressed and at what levels, by counting the number of reads that map to each gene.

Finally, the data is analyzed to determine differential gene expression. This involves comparing the expression levels across different samples or conditions to identify genes that are upregulated or downregulated, providing insights into biological processes and responses.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

RNA-seq Technology

RNA-seq, or RNA sequencing, is a powerful technique used to analyze the transcriptome, the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific circumstances. It involves converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA), which is then sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technologies. This allows researchers to quantify gene expression levels, identify novel transcripts, and detect alternative splicing events.

Gene Expression Analysis

Gene expression analysis involves measuring the activity of genes in a cell or tissue, providing insights into cellular functions and responses to various conditions. RNA-seq enables comprehensive analysis by quantifying the abundance of RNA transcripts, allowing researchers to compare expression levels across different samples or conditions. This helps in understanding how genes are regulated and how they contribute to biological processes and disease states.

Data Interpretation in RNA-seq

Interpreting RNA-seq data requires bioinformatics tools to process and analyze the large volumes of sequencing data. Key steps include aligning reads to a reference genome, quantifying transcript abundance, and identifying differentially expressed genes. Statistical methods are used to determine significant changes in gene expression, providing insights into biological pathways and mechanisms. Proper data interpretation is crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions from RNA-seq experiments.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Use a highlighter to color any amino acid that varies among the species. (Color that amino acid in all sequences.)

b. The H sequence differs from that of the C, G, R species at two amino acids. Underline the two differences in the H sequence.

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Textbook Question

Use a highlighter to color any amino acid that varies among the species. (Color that amino acid in all sequences.)

a. The C, G, R sequences are identical. Identify which lines correspond to those sequences.

A tool-kit gene is .

What would researchers have to demonstrate to convince you that they had discovered life on another planet?

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Textbook Question

Consider the validity of the following statements about genome editing. Select True or False for each statement.

T/FCas proteins work as endonucleases.

T/FsgRNA is used by bacterial cells to detect which DNA to cut.

T/FHomologous recombination is always used to join pieces of broken DNA.

T/FIt is possible to modify genes as well as disrupt them by genome editing.

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Textbook Question

Gene density is the number of genes per million base pairs (Mbp). Using Figure 20.5b, find the approximate number of genes estimated in water fleas and in humans, and note the size of each genome. Calculate the gene density in water fleas relative to that in humans.

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Textbook Question

What is left for genetic researchers to do now that the Human Genome Project has determined nearly complete nucleotide sequences for all of the human chromosomes? Explain.

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