Question

Computer programmers, working with molecular geneticists, have developed computer programs that can identify genes within long stretches of dna sequences. Imagine that you are working with a computer programmer on such a project. On the basis of what you know about the process of transcription, what sequences should be used to identify the beginning and end of a prokaryotic gene with the use of this computer program? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

Different sequences would be identified in prokaryote and eukaryote genome. However, both types of organisms have both promoter and termination consensus DNA sequences that could be recognized by the programmer’s computer program as. The program should be able to recognize the consensus sequences (calculated order of most frequent residues). For bacterial promoters, the –35 sequences and –10 sequences would be good starting points (beginning). The program should be able to find inverted repeats and strings of A’s, which are indicative of Rho-independent termination. (end).