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Related Concept Videos

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes00:46

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes00:58

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.
Genomics02:02

Genomics

Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.

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Genetic Manipulation in &Delta;ku80 Strains for Functional Genomic Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii
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Published on: July 12, 2013

Plague in the genomic area.

M Drancourt1

  • 1URMITE UMR CNRS 6236 IRD 98, IFR48, Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille-Université, Marseille, France. michel.drancourt@univmed.fr

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|February 29, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Genomic analysis reveals Yersinia pestis evolved from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, with gene loss, not acquisition, driving virulence. While genomics aids plague tracking, it hasn't yielded new prevention or treatment tools for ongoing epidemics.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Plague remains a public health concern, particularly in Africa.
  • Genomic analysis of Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) was expected to provide insights into controlling this pathogen.
  • Y. pestis evolved from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Central Asia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To understand the genomic evolution of Y. pestis and its virulence.
  • To explore the role of genomics in plague epidemiology and historical spread.
  • To assess the impact of genomic and post-genomic approaches on plague management.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics of Y. pestis isolates.
  • Analysis of Y. pestis genome reduction and plasmid acquisition.
  • Phylogeographical tracing using molecular tools.
  • Genome architecture analysis of modern Y. pestis strains.

Main Results:

  • Y. pestis virulence is linked to gene loss and specific plasmid acquisition.
  • Biotype Orientalis isolates show wider historical spread than Antiqua and Medievalis.
  • Human ectoparasites like body lice may have aided plague transmission.
  • Genomics provides tools for genotyping and tracing plague foci but not for patient management.
  • The Black Death genome is closely related to the Orientalis branch.

Conclusions:

  • Genomic studies illuminate Y. pestis evolution and epidemiology.
  • Despite advances, genomics has not yet improved plague prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Ongoing plague epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa require further research and intervention strategies.