BRAINCAKEUsing DNA Sequencing
Once DNA can be sequenced quickly and cheaply, the sequences can be compared and analysed using computers. This field is called bioinformatics.
Evolutionary relationships
All organisms share a common ancestor, and DNA base sequences change slowly over time through mutation. Species that share a more recent common ancestor have had less time to build up differences, so their DNA sequences are more similar. By comparing the sequence of the same gene in different species and counting the differences, scientists can build phylogenetic trees showing how closely related species are. For example, human and chimpanzee genomes are about 99% identical.
Identifying species
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Key terms in this lesson
- genetic code
- The set of rules by which the sequence of bases in DNA or mRNA specifies the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
More in Gene Sequencing
- The Genome
- The Polymerase Chain Reaction
- How PCR Works
- DNA Sequencing
- Using DNA Sequencing to Manage Disease
- Introns and Satellite DNA
- DNA Profiles
- Gel Electrophoresis
All 12 lessons in Gene Sequencing · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics