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How do bioinformatics programs find possible genes in a newly sequenced genome?
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bioinformatics
This computerized image of anthrax shows the various structural relationships of seven units within the protein and demonstrates the interaction of a drug (shown in yellow) bound to the protein to block the so-called lethal factor unit. Bioinformatics plays an important role in enabling scientists to predict where a drug molecule will bind within a protein, given the individual structures of the molecules.
Bioinformatics programs identify potential genes in a newly sequenced genome by scanning the complete DNA sequence for specific structural features.12
These computer programs utilize algorithms to detect patterns characteristic of genes, such as:
- Open Reading Frames (ORFs): Programs look for gene-sized segments of DNA that begin and end with specific triplet sequences of nucleotides known as start and stop codons.12
- Regulatory Sequences: Algorithms also search for specific DNA sequences known to be important in regulating adjacent genes.2
Once these candidate genes are identified, they are annotated to determine their potential functions. This process typically involves comparing the newly discovered sequences against known gene sequences from other organisms, relying on the evolutionary conservation of gene function across species. While many genes can be assigned a function through this comparison, some remain unassigned and require further research to understand their roles.12