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
A short, standard section of DNA can be sequenced and compared with a database to identify an organism. This is called DNA barcoding. It can identify species from a tiny sample, such as a fish fillet or a piece of an animal, and helps to discover new species and detect illegal trade in endangered species.Predicting proteins
The base sequence of a gene can be used to predict the amino acid sequence of the protein it codes for, using the genetic code. This helps scientists to work out the function of genes and to model the shape of proteins.Variation within a species
Sequencing the genomes of many individuals shows which alleles are common in different populations and helps to explain how populations have moved and changed over time.Sequence data are shared worldwide in large databases, so scientists can compare new sequences with thousands of others.
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
A short, standard section of DNA can be sequenced and compared with a database to identify an organism. This is called DNA barcoding. It can identify species from a tiny sample, such as a fish fillet or a piece of an animal, and helps to discover new species and detect illegal trade in endangered species.Predicting proteins
The base sequence of a gene can be used to predict the amino acid sequence of the protein it codes for, using the genetic code. This helps scientists to work out the function of genes and to model the shape of proteins.Variation within a species
Sequencing the genomes of many individuals shows which alleles are common in different populations and helps to explain how populations have moved and changed over time.Sequence data are shared worldwide in large databases, so scientists can compare new sequences with thousands of others.