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Here is a term paper on ‘Genomics’. Find paragraphs, long and short term paper on ‘Genomics’ especially written for school and college students.
Term Paper on Genomics
Term Paper Contents:
- Term Paper on the Introduction to Genomics
- Term Paper on the Meaning of Genomics
- Term Paper on the Branches of Genomics
- Term Paper on the Genomics of Organisms
- Term Paper on the Benefits of Genomics
Term Paper # 1. Introduction to Genomics:
Genomics is the study of the genome of an organism. A genome is the complete set of genetic instructions needed to develop and direct the activities of every organism. The genetic instructions are contained in the DNA.
The double helix of DNA is made up of four nitrogenous bases that are repeated millions or billions of times throughout a genome. The human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs, which reside in the 23 pairs of chromosomes within the nucleus of all the cells.
Each chromosome contains hundreds to thousands of genes, which carry information necessary for the synthesis of proteins required by organisms. These proteins are responsible for the various phenotypic expressions of the organism which includes how the organism looks, how its body metabolizes food or fights infection, and sometimes even how it behaves.
The sequence of the four nitrogenous bases i.e., A, T, C, and G differs in different organisms. The order of the bases underlies all of life’s diversity. Genomics is concerned with sequencing the genomes of various organisms. This study began in the year 1980 and by 1990 the genomes of many species were under study.
Genomics is different from molecular biology in that molecular biology is concerned with the investigation of single genes, their functions and roles, while genomics is concerned with the study of the total DNA of an organism.
Term Paper # 2. Meaning of Genomics:
Beginning in the mid-1980’s, geneticists moved away from the classical approaches of mutagenesis and mapping. They, began using recombinant DNA technology for genetic analysis. In this method, a collection of clones, called a genomic library is established.
The clones are pieced together into overlapping sets and assembled into genetic and physical maps that include the entire genome. In the final step, the clones are sequenced with all genes in the genome identified by their nucleotide sequence. Collectively, these methods are called genomics. Thus, genomics involves detailed analysis of the structural and functional organization of the complete genome.
Term Paper # 3. Branches of Genomics:
The different branches of genomics are as follows:
a. Functional Genomics:
The study of gene expression during various conditions is known as functional genomics.
b. Proteomics:
The study of full set of proteins in a tissue and the changes during various conditions is proteomics.
Term Paper # 4. Genomics of Organisms:
The genomes of several organisms have been sequenced. The first genome to be sequenced in its entirety was that of bacteriophage φ X 174 which possesses 5,368 base pairs. It was sequenced by Frederick Sanger in the year 1977. The first free-living organism to be sequenced was that of Haemophilus influenzae which possesses 1.8 Mb, in the year 1995.
By the year 2005, about 1000 viruses, 220 bacteria and about 20 eukaryote organisms such as the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster have been sequenced. Table 1 enlists the different organisms that have been sequenced.
Term Paper # 5. Benefits of Genomics:
The current and potential applications of genome research include: molecular medicine, energy sources and environmental applications, risk assessment, bio-archaeology, anthropology, evolution and human migration, DNA forensics (identification) and agriculture, livestock breeding and bio-processing.
1. Molecular Medicine:
The results of the human genome project will be utilised for advances in medicine.
a. It will enable medical science to develop highly effective diagnostic tools.
b. It will help understand the health needs of people based on their individual genetic make ups.
c. It will help scientists design new and highly effective treatments for disease.
d. It will enable individualised analysis based on each person’s genome, which will lead to a very powerful form of preventive medicine.
e. It will allow scientists to learn about risks of future illness based on DNA analysis.
f. It will allow identification of defective genes which can then be replaced through gene therapy.
g. The detailed map of the human genome will help researchers identify genes associated with many genetic conditions such as muscular dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, inherited colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and familial breast cancer. Early diagnosis will enable treatment of the condition.
h. Genes related to common illness such as asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease can be identified much faster.
2. DNA Forensics (Identification):
a. Identify potential suspects whose DNA may match with the evidence left at crime scenes as in DNA finger printing that enables the identification of criminals and solve paternity cases.
b. Identify endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting poachers).
c. Detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil and food.
d. Match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs.
e. Determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds.
3. Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Bioprocessing:
a. Understanding plant and animal genomes will enable us to create stronger, more disease-resistant plants and animals.
b. It reduces the cost of agriculture and provides consumers with more nutritious, pesticide-free foods.
c. Vaccines have been incorporated into food products.