Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 10

Describe the human genome in terms of genome size, the percentage of the genome that codes for proteins, how much is composed of repetitive sequences, and how many genes it contains. Describe two other features of the human genome.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Approximately 1-2% of the human genome codes for proteins, and it contains an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes.

Step by step solution

01

Genome Size

The human genome is comprised of about 3.2 billion base pairs, which makes it one of the largest genomes among vertebrates.
02

Protein-Coding Percentage

Only approximately 1-2% of the human genome codes for proteins. The rest of the DNA has other functions, such as regulating gene expression, composing structural elements of chromosomes, or consists of non-coding RNA sequences.
03

Repetitive Sequences

About 50% of the human genome consists of repetitive sequences. These sequences are primarily transposable elements and other repeats, like satellite DNA.
04

Number of Genes

The human genome contains an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes. This number is subject to change as genomic research advances and scientists refine their understanding of the human genome.
05

Other Feature - Pseudogenes

Pseudogenes are nonfunctional copies of protein-coding genes that have lost their ability to produce proteins. They are present in the human genome and arise from duplication or retrotransposition events.
06

Other Feature - Introns and Exons

Protein-coding genes in the human genome are organized into regions called exons, which are separated by noncoding regions called introns. This organization allows for a process called alternative splicing, which enables a single gene to produce multiple protein variants depending on how the exons are combined.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare and contrast whole-genome shotgun sequencing to a map-based cloning approach.

Intron frequency varies considerably among eukaryotes. Provide a general comparison of intron frequencies in yeast and humans. What about intron size?

MALDI-TOF spectra can be used to identify bacteria by analyzing a colony and comparing the spectra with known profiles. Describe how this could be used to fight outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospitals.

Systems biology models the complex networks of interacting genes, proteins, and other molecules that contribute to human genetic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. These interactomes show the contribution of each piece towards the whole and where diseases overlap, and provide models for drug discovery and development. Describe some tions (Roy et al., 2008 ). In some cases, closely related homologs may engender completely different classes of proteins (enzymes). Consider the 3 D structure of two proteins with 60 percent homology with entirely different functions. Explain how different functions may evolve by discussing the position of the homologous amino acid track, its relation to nonhomologous tracks, and the role that chaperones (Chapter 14) may play in determining protein function. of the differences that might be seen in the interactomes of normal and cancerous cells taken from the same tissue, and explain how these differences could lead to drugs specifically targeted against cancer cells.

Through the Human Genome Project (HGP), a relatively accurate human genome sequence was published in 2003 from combined samples from different individuals. It serves as a reference for a haploid genome. Recently, genomes of a number of individuals have been sequenced under the auspices of the Personal Genome Project (PGP). How do results from the PGP differ from those of the HGP?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Plant Biology

Read Explanation

Genetic Information

Read Explanation

Cells

Read Explanation

Organ Systems

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Chemistry of Life

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free