Bioinformatics can be used to scan sequences for probable genes looking for start and stop sites for transcription and for translation, for probable splice sites, and for sequences known to be found in other known genes. Such sequences containing these elements are called
A) expressed sequence tags.
B) cDNA.
C) multigene families.
D) proteomes.
E) short tandem repeats.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described sequences containing start and stop sites for transcription and translation, splice sites, and sequences known to be found in other genes are most likely expressed sequence tags (ESTs). ESTs are short DNA sequences generated from complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of expressed genes, and they can be used to identify and characterize potential genes in a given sequence. Choice B (cDNA) refers to the reverse transcription of mRNA into cDNA, and it may be used to study gene expression, but it is not directly applicable to the described scenario. Choice C (multigene families) refers to groups of genes with similar sequences and functions, but it is not specifically related to identifying potential genes in a sequence. Choice D (proteomes) refers to the entire set of proteins produced by an organism or system, and it is not directly relevant to identifying genes. Choice E (short tandem repeats) are repetitive DNA sequences that can be used in genetic analysis, but they are not directly relevant to identifying genes based on start and stop sites and splice sites.

Bioinformatics Can Be Used to Scan Sequences for Probable Genes