Which of the following terms describes the study of physical interactions between DNA, RNA, and Protein?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
15. Genomes and Genomics
Functional Genomics
Problem 1f
Textbook Question
In the discussion we focused on the analysis of genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes and considered important applications and findings from these endeavors. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions?
How have microarrays demonstrated that, although all cells of an organism have the same genome, some genes are expressed in almost all cells, whereas other genes show cell- and tissue-specific expression?

1
Understand the concept of microarrays: Microarrays are tools used to measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. They work by hybridizing labeled RNA (or cDNA) from a sample to complementary DNA probes fixed on a solid surface.
Recognize the principle of gene expression: While all cells in an organism share the same genome, the expression of genes varies depending on the cell type, tissue, and environmental conditions. This is due to regulatory mechanisms that control which genes are transcribed into RNA and translated into proteins.
Explain how microarrays detect gene expression: In a microarray experiment, RNA is extracted from a specific cell or tissue type, converted into labeled cDNA, and then hybridized to the microarray. The intensity of the signal at each probe spot corresponds to the expression level of the gene associated with that probe.
Interpret the results of microarray experiments: By comparing the expression profiles of different cell or tissue types, researchers can identify genes that are expressed universally (housekeeping genes) and those that are expressed in a cell- or tissue-specific manner. For example, housekeeping genes are involved in basic cellular functions and are expressed in almost all cells, while tissue-specific genes are expressed only in certain cell types to perform specialized functions.
Conclude the significance of microarray findings: Microarrays have provided evidence that gene expression is highly regulated and context-dependent. This technology has been instrumental in understanding how the same genome can give rise to diverse cell types and functions within an organism.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gene Expression
Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins. This process is tightly regulated, allowing cells to produce specific proteins at certain times and in specific amounts, leading to variations in function and characteristics among different cell types, despite having the same genetic material.
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Microarrays
Microarrays are laboratory tools used to detect the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. They consist of a grid of DNA probes that can hybridize with complementary RNA or DNA samples, allowing researchers to measure gene expression patterns across different tissues or conditions, thus revealing which genes are active in specific cell types.
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Proteomics
Cell- and Tissue-Specific Expression
Cell- and tissue-specific expression refers to the phenomenon where certain genes are expressed in particular cell types or tissues while remaining inactive in others. This selective expression is crucial for the development and function of diverse cell types within an organism, enabling specialized roles and responses to environmental signals.
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