Question

Genome sequences are useful to search DNA databases. Proteomics on the other hand is searchable protein sequence data that allows for comparison within and between species. However, protein expression by an organism changes during growth, disease, and the death of cells and tissues. Compare DNA genome and proteome analysis as resources to understand gene regulation. What comparisons can be made to understand gene expression and protein synthesis at various stages of an organisms life cycle?

Answer 1

Gene expression and protein synthesis can be used as side-by-side term and both processes are responsible for the resulting phenotype.

Identifying the genes responsible for mutant phenotypes may be one of such approaches and can be easily performed in organisms that reproduce rapidly. First collection of mutants in a model organism such as yeast or flies can be done at the various satges of the life cycle of the organism and then thousands of individuals can be screened to find the altered phenotype can be done (genetic screen). Simple phenotypes such as a metabolic deficiency,are easiest to detect.

An alternative approach can be insertional mutagenesis, in which foriegn DNA inserted randomly into the genome can produce mutations if the inserted fragment interrupts a gene involved at different stages of the organism. The inserted DNA, whose sequence is known, can then serve as a molecular tag in studying gene expression and protein synthesis.