Final answer:
GC-rich sequences are more stable due to three hydrogen bonds and are harder to denature, important for gene structure and function. AT-rich regions facilitate easier denaturation, beneficial for initiating transcription. Whole-genome sequencing reveals the complete DNA sequence for examining such regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Areas rich in GC content typically have genes and regulatory regions that require a higher stability. GC pairs have three hydrogen bonds compared with AT pairs that have two, making GC-rich regions more thermodynamically stable. Such regions are harder to denature, which means they're less likely to unwind, an important factor for the structure of genomic DNA and the proper functioning of genes.
Conversely, areas rich in AT content are typically found in regions where transcription is initiated. AT-rich regions require less energy to denature because of the fewer hydrogen bonds, so these areas are more prone to unwinding. This is advantageous for the initiation of transcription because the DNA must be unwound for RNA polymerase to access the template strand and begin synthesizing RNA.
Whole-genome sequencing is a technique that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. When looking at specific sequences like those in oligonucleotide examples, sequences rich in GC and AT contents can be compared to identify differences in stability and functionality.
As per the Central Dogma of protein synthesis, the sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins, further highlighting the importance of nucleotide composition in genomic DNA.