 | Karyn's Genomes
Welcome to Karyn's Genomes
 This
is a collection and brief description of some of the available
sequenced genomes. There is also information about why they are thought
to be important for sequencing, together with links to the sequences,
publication data and further reading.
Haemophilus
influenzae was the first complete genome to be sequenced in
1995. Encouraged by the success of this, researchers have continued to
sequence a huge array of other medically, economically and industrially
important microbes. Whole-genome data can provide a basis for the
discovery of every gene, show long-range relationships, and offer a
complete archive of genetic information. The data also provide a set of
tools for future research into an organism's biology from fertilisation
to death.
Genomic sequencing now has worldwide interest not only within research
and academic institutions, but from industry and governments who are
now prepared to fund ongoing research in various sectors.
Karyn's genomes have been
sub-divided into four categories:
- Archaea
- there are two major classes of prokaryotes these are bacteria and
archaea. Their DNA is usually circular DNA and NOT contained in a
nucleus. Archaeans are single celled and resemble bacteria and have
some genes that are similar to bacterial genes and other genes that
have a higher similarity to those found in eukaryotes. Furthermore,
they have some genes that are unlike any found in any other organisms.
- Bacteria -
there are two major classes of prokaryotes these are bacteria and
archaea. Their DNA is usually circular DNA and NOT contained in a
nucleus. Bacteria are single celled and very versatlie. Bacteria have
been found that can live in temperatures above the boiling point and in
freezing temperatures. They "eat" everything from sugar and starch to
sunlight, sulfur and iron.
- Eukaryotes
- these are organisms whose cells have cytoskeletons for support and
their DNA contained in a nucleus, separated from the other contents of
the cell; e.g. plants, animals, and fungi.
- Viruses New - these are
sub-microscopic, obligate intracellular parasites. Virus particles are
produced from the assembly of pre-formed components. Virus particles
(virions) do not 'grow' or undergo division. Viruses lack the genetic
information which encodes apparatus necessary for the generation of
metabolic energy or for protein synthesis (ribosomes). Viruses depend
on the host cells that they infect to reproduce.
|