Gene Sequencing DNA the Family Tree Becky Cronk General Biochemistry BMCB 658 Dr. Sarah Kenick March 2, 2012

What is the Current Status of Gene Sequencing? Advancements in modern technology have led to a faster and easier process There is little to no supervision required Scientists achieve results in as little as a day Processes have also allowed for the sequencing of proteins There are a large number of databases storing entire genomes of various species These are known as gene banks Examples include: National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institute of Health

What Can Gene Sequencing Be Used For? Plants are all clones in one way or another Allows scientists to differentiate the degree of variation between species. Provides botanists and researchers with the most accurate classifications of the wide variety of plants Confirmation of hybrid plants from two known parent plants Comparison of living and extinct species of animals Allows scientists to analyze the genetic makeup of extinct species against similar living ones Provides scientists the ability to create an accurate family tree Avoids continuous debates of whether two species were or were not related

Did You Know Gene Sequencing Could Do That?! Assisting endangered species from extinction Researchers try to prevent the genetic makeup of the species from becoming too similar Very similar DNA composition can lead to all organisms to be susceptible Diseases Viruses/Bacterias Toxins Species affected include: Nene Goose aka “Hawaiian Goose” California Condor Humpback Whales Illegal harvesting and consumption of whale meat Wild species affected African Cheetah

What About Humans? Sequencing has allowed us to determine if we are related to different ancient human species including: “Ardi” Ardipiheccus ramidus 4.4 million years old “Lucy” Australopithecus afarensis 3.2 million years old Where do the Neanderthals fit into the family tree? Homo sapiens neanderthalensis OR Homo neanderthalensis Utilizing ancient fossils the genome for Neanderthals has been sequenced Does not match modern Homo sapiens Recent study published in Molecular Biology & Evolution in 2011 states that they are infact a part of our ancestry

References Bloxham, A., (2012, January 10). Entire dna sequence now available for less than £700. The Telegraph. Retrieved from Campbell, M. & Farrell, S., 2012., Biochemistry. Nucleic acids: How structure conveys information. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Johnsgard, P., (2010). Ducks, geese, and swans of the world. Retrieved from article=1000&context=biosciducksgeeseswans Viegas, J., (2011). All non-africans part neanderthal, genetics confirm. Discovery News. Retrived from neanderthal html?print=truehttp://news.discovery.com/human/genetics- Wong, K., (2009). Twilight of the neandertals. Scientific American, 301(2)., Retrieved from a949-ab7a1ffbf7ef %40sessionmgr112&vid=7&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ %3d%3d#db=hxh&AN= http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail