DECODE The Script of LIFE

Special kinds of BLASTs In addition to the standard BLAST algorithms (BLASTn, BLASTp, BLASTx, tBLASTn, tBLASTx), there are several special kinds of BLASTs that have been developed to address specific needs in sequence analysis. Here are a few examples: Advertisements Advertisements PSI-BLAST (Position-Specific Iterated BLAST):  PSI-BLAST is an iterative version of BLASTp that aims to improve the detection of distantly related protein sequences. It builds a position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) based on the alignments found in previous iterations, allowing for the identification of more divergent homologs. Advertisements PHI-BLAST (Pattern-Hit Initiated BLAST):  PHI-BLAST is used for identifying and aligning protein sequences that contain specific patterns or motifs. It starts with a pattern search against a protein database and then extends the search using a BLAST-like algorithm. DELTA-BLAST:  DELTA-BLAST is a tool that combines the advantages of PSI-BLAST and HMMER. It performs a s

DNA vs RNA – Similarities and Differences in directiThree differences between DNA and RNA are that DNA uses the base thymine while RNA uses uracil, DNA uses the sugar deoxyribose while RNA uses ribose, and usually DNA is double-stranded and RNA is single-stranded DNA  (deoxyribonucleic acid) and  RNA  (ribonucleic acid) are the two types of  nucleic acids  found in cells. Nucleic acids, in turn, are the biological molecules that code for genetic infor mation and proteins. Here is a comparison of the similarities and differences between DNA and RNA. e are different types of DNA and RNA. DNA occurs in five forms: A-DNA, B-DNA, C-DNA, D-DNA, and Z-DNA. The B form occurs in most organisms and is a right-handed helix with a major and minor groove. The main types of RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA). Many additional types of RNA also exist. A cell typically contains one type of DNA and several forms of RNA.   Differences Between DNA and RNA DNA and R

  GenBank Overview: Learn how to navigate NCBI GenBank with the following video: Activity 1: Retrieve the correct type of biological data from a given database. Go to -  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/60 .  Search for “gene” “ACTB”. This is the human beta-actin gene. Click on the GenBank link that will take you to the sequence of this gene. Learn the annotations here. Start of the gene, end of the gene, mRNA, and CDS, and the difference between them. Also, have a look at the expression pattern. Assignment:  Generate a report that will include - ACTB gene sequence, ACTB mRNA sequence, CDS sequence, and protein sequence. Please answer the following question in your report - How would you explain similarities and differences observed within these sequences? Repeat the same process for the human Insulin gene and include the same information for the human insulin gene in your report. Activity 2: Characterizing Data In this activity, you will characterize the genomic data from NCBI GenBan

  Introduction When a cell divides, one of its main jobs is to make sure that each of the two new cells gets a full, perfect copy of genetic material. Mistakes during copying, or unequal division of the genetic material between cells, can lead to cells that are unhealthy or dysfunctional (and may lead to diseases such as cancer). But what exactly is this genetic material, and how does it behave over the course of a cell division? DNA and genomes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of living organisms. In humans, DNA is found in almost all the cells of the body and provides the instructions they need to grow, function, and respond to their environment. When a cell in the body divides, it will pass on a copy of its DNA to each of its daughter cells. DNA is also passed on at the level of organisms, with the DNA in sperm and egg cells combining to form a new organism that has genetic material from both its parents. Physically speaking, DNA is a long string of paired chemica

  Types of Genetic disorders Genetic disorders can be grouped into two types: Mendelian Disorders Mendelian disorders are mainly determined by alteration or mutation in the single gene. These disorders are transmitted to the offspring on the same lines as we have studied in the principle of inheritance. Most common and prevalent Mendelian disorders are Hemophilia, Cystic fibrosis, Sickle-cell anemia, Colour blindness, Phenylketonuria, Thalassemia, etc. It is evident that this X-linked recessive trait shows transmission from carrier female to male progeny. Examples: Name Genetic Trait Cause Effects Inheritance pattern Sickle cell anaemia Autosome-linked recessive A single point mutation in the beta-globin chain of haemoglobin Anaemia Offsprings may get the disease when both the parents are a carrier (heterozygote) Thalassemia Autosome-linked recessive Mutation in the genes HBA1 and HBA2 present on the chromosome 16 Formation of abnormal haemoglobin molecule resulting in anaemia Offsprin