Decoding Life The Science and Techniques of DNA Sequencing

The video tutorial covers the basics of gene sequencing, starting with its history and the role of Frederick Sanger. It explains the use of terminator bases in DNA sequencing and outlines the steps involved in the process, including the use of PCR and capillary electrophoresis. The tutorial also discusses the complexity of the human genome, the potential for identifying disease-causing mutations, and the challenges in curing genetic diseases. It highlights ongoing research projects aimed at understanding complex diseases through genome sequencing.

What is the primary purpose of DNA sequencing?

• To identify the sequence of bases in a DNA strand

• To determine the order of amino acids in a protein

• To measure the length of a DNA strand

• To find the number of genes in an organism

Who won the Nobel Prize in 1980 for developing a DNA sequencing method?

• Francis Crick

• Rosalind Franklin

• James Watson

• Frederick Sanger

What is the role of terminator bases in DNA sequencing?

• They initiate the replication process

• They terminate the strand extension during PCR

• They enhance the binding of DNA polymerase

• They bind to the phosphate group

What is added to each test tube in the initial step of DNA sequencing?

• Lipids and carbohydrates

• DNA polymerase and free nucleotides

• RNA fragments

• Protein enzymes

Why are fluorescent primers used in DNA sequencing?

• To enhance the accuracy of sequencing

• To increase the speed of DNA replication

• To label DNA fragments for later detection

• To prevent DNA degradation

What happens when a terminator base binds during PCR?

• The DNA strand is cut into smaller pieces

• The DNA strand continues to replicate

• The DNA strand forms a loop

• The DNA strand stops replicating

What is the purpose of capillary electrophoresis in DNA sequencing?

• To degrade unwanted DNA

• To amplify DNA fragments

• To separate DNA fragments by size

• To mix DNA fragments together

How does the smallest DNA fragment behave during capillary electrophoresis?

• It moves randomly

• It does not move

• It moves first

• It moves last

What was the initial belief about the number of proteins each gene could code for?

• Each gene could code for only one protein

• Each gene could code for multiple proteins

• Each gene could code for an infinite number of proteins

• Each gene could code for no proteins

What is a major challenge in curing genetic diseases with gene therapy?

• Lack of knowledge about the human genome

• Environmental factors and multiple gene variants

• Insufficient funding for research

• Inability to sequence DNA accurately