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Genomics and Bioinformatics

✅ Answer Key with Explanations

1️⃣ What year was the first complete sequence of the human genome announced?

✅ Answer: B) 2001
🔬 Explanation: The Human Genome Project (HGP) was launched in 1990 and officially announced its first draft sequence in 2001. A more refined version followed in 2003, but 2022-2023 marked the release of a truly complete human genome (including centromeres and telomeres).

2️⃣ What were the two main sequencing approaches used in the Human Genome Project?

✅ Answer: A) Clone-by-Clone & Shotgun Sequencing
🔬 Explanation:

  • Clone-by-Clone (Hierarchical): The genome was cut into large pieces, which were mapped before sequencing.
  • Shotgun Sequencing: The genome was shattered into tiny pieces, sequenced randomly, and then reassembled using computers.
    🚀 The final genome used a combination of both techniques!

3️⃣ Which sequencing method was faster but prone to more errors?

✅ Answer: B) Shotgun Sequencing
🔬 Explanation: Shotgun sequencing allowed scientists to rapidly sequence DNA but led to errors due to repeated sequences and gaps. Clone-by-Clone was slower but more accurate.

4️⃣ How much did the publicly funded Human Genome Project cost?

✅ Answer: C) $3 billion
🔬 Explanation: The project took 13 years (1990–2003) and cost $3 billion, but now, sequencing a human genome costs less than $1,000! 📉💰

5️⃣ What percentage of the human genome consists of interspersed repeats (like LINEs and SINEs)?

✅ Answer: C) 45%
🔬 Explanation: Nearly half of the human genome is made up of repetitive sequences from ancient transposable elements. Scientists once called this "junk DNA," but we now know some of it regulates gene expression!

6️⃣ What are SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)?

✅ Answer: C) Small genetic variations that make individuals unique
🔬 Explanation: SNPs are single-letter DNA changes that make people unique. They influence traits like eye color, height, and disease risk. 🌱

7️⃣ Which of the following is an example of a Mendelian (single-gene) trait?

✅ Answer: C) Cystic fibrosis
🔬 Explanation:

  • Mendelian traits are caused by a single gene (dominant or recessive).
  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene.
  • Height, skin color, and intelligence are polygenic (influenced by multiple genes + environment).

8️⃣ What type of traits are influenced by multiple genes and the environment?

✅ Answer: C) Polygenic traits
🔬 Explanation: Traits like height, diabetes risk, and intelligence are affected by many genes (polygenic) and environmental factors (nutrition, lifestyle, etc.).

9️⃣ What is Linkage Disequilibrium (LD)?

✅ Answer: C) The tendency of certain genetic variants to be inherited together due to proximity on a chromosome
🔬 Explanation: LD happens because nearby genes don’t always get shuffled during reproduction. This helps scientists predict disease-linked genes without sequencing every variation.

🔟 What is the purpose of GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies)?

✅ Answer: B) To find genetic variants associated with diseases
🔬 Explanation: GWAS scans thousands of genomes to find SNPs linked to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, or cancer. This helps scientists identify genetic risk factors.

1️⃣1️⃣ How many genes does the human genome approximately contain?

✅ Answer: C) 26,000
🔬 Explanation: Originally, scientists thought we had 100,000+ genes, but it turns out we only have about 26,000—fewer than some plants! 🌿 The complexity of humans comes from how genes are regulated, not the number of genes.

1️⃣2️⃣ Who first described inheritance as based on discrete units (genes)?

✅ Answer: B) Gregor Mendel
🔬 Explanation:

  • In the 1860s, Mendel discovered that traits don’t blend but are inherited in distinct dominant/recessive units (genes).
  • His work was forgotten until 1900, when genetics became a major field of study.

1️⃣3️⃣ What is the current definition of a "gene"?

✅ Answer: B) A stretch of DNA that codes for a specific function
🔬 Explanation:

  • Originally, genes were thought to code only for proteins, but today we know they also code for RNA molecules and regulatory elements.
  • Some genes don’t even make proteins but still control other genes! 🧬

1️⃣4️⃣ What scientific breakthrough allows scientists to edit genes at precise locations?

✅ Answer: B) CRISPR-Cas9
🔬 Explanation: CRISPR is a gene-editing tool inspired by bacteria’s immune system. It lets scientists cut and modify DNA precisely, opening doors to gene therapy, disease prevention, and biotechnology innovations.

1️⃣5️⃣ What is one of the biggest future applications of genomics?

✅ Answer: B) Precision medicine (custom treatments based on a person’s genome)
🔬 Explanation:

  • Precision medicine tailors treatments based on a patient’s DNA.
  • Example: Some cancer drugs now target specific genetic mutations to make treatment more effective!

🏆 Your Score & What It Means!

💯 15/15 – Genome Master! 🧬 You could be a geneticist!
🔬 12-14 – Impressive! You have a strong grasp of genomics.
📚 8-11 – Great effort! Keep learning, and you’ll master it.
🧐 5-7 – Not bad! A little more studying, and you’ll be a pro.
🤔 0-4 – Keep exploring! Genomics is a vast, exciting field.

🧬 Final Thoughts

I hope this detailed quiz explanation helped deepen your understanding! Let me know if you’d like:
✔️ More questions
✔️ A specific topic covered in-depth
✔️ Flashcards or a study guide

Genomics is an amazing field—you're on your way to mastering it! 🚀😊