Question

The scientists sequenced 99 Ebola virus samples from 78 confirmed patients with Ebola virus disease. Some of the patients had samples of their virus sequenced more than once. Some of these patients had duplicate sequences conducted immediately, while other patients had their virus samples sequenced at multiple time points why did the researchers perform Immediate duplente sequences on some patients?

a. Immediate duplicate sequences were taken because that was what was called for in the laboratory procedure.
b. Immediate duplicate sequences were mistakes made by the researchers whom samples were taken independently by two different researchers at about the same time
c. Immediate duplicate sequences were taken to assess how the virus was evolving within a patient over time.
d. Immediate duplicate sequences were experimental controls (technical suplicates) designed to verily the accuracy of the sequencing procedure

Answer 1

Immediate duplicate sequences in Ebola virus samples are performed as experimental controls to verify the accuracy of the sequencing procedure and guarantee data reliability. This helps in accurately identifying the virus's genetic material, which is crucial for developing effective treatments and containment strategies. Reproducibility and technical accuracy in sequencing are vital in the study of infectious diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal behind sequencing 99 Ebola virus samples from 78 confirmed patients was multifaceted. Immediate duplicate sequences on some patients are experimental controls, often known as technical replicates, designed to verify the accuracy of the sequencing procedure. Performing immediate duplicate sequences helps ensure that the data obtained is accurate and reliable, as even subtle technical errors in sequencing can lead to significant misinterpretations of how a virus is changing over time or between different patients.

These repeat sequences are paramount because of the high stakes involved in understanding and treating infectious diseases like Ebola. An accurate genetic sequence of a virus is critical for developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. This is especially important in a virus like Ebola because of the potential for rapid spread and the high mortality rate associated with it. In the context of a high mutation rate pathogen such as Ebola, immediate duplicate sequences serve an additional purpose beyond mere verification; they can potentially catch early mutations within a patient’s virus population if sequencing is done at distinct time points.

The practice of duplicating sequences cannot be understated as it ties directly to ensuring reproducibility in scientific research, which is fundamental to the credibility of any study's findings, especially in the field of viral genetics and epidemiology.