Annotation involves identifying genes and gene-regulatory sequences in a genome. List and describe characteristics of a genome that are hallmarks for identifying genes in an unknown sequence. What characteristics would you look for in a bacterial genome? A eukaryotic genome?

Key Concepts

Gene Structure

Gene structure refers to the organization of genes within a genome, including elements such as exons, introns, promoters, and terminators. In both bacterial and eukaryotic genomes, recognizing these components is crucial for identifying functional genes. For instance, eukaryotic genes typically have introns that are spliced out, while bacterial genes are often continuous sequences without introns.

Regulatory Sequences

Regulatory sequences are regions of DNA that control the expression of genes. In bacterial genomes, these include promoters and operators that interact with transcription factors, while in eukaryotic genomes, enhancers and silencers play a significant role. Identifying these sequences helps in understanding how genes are turned on or off in response to various signals.

Genomic Context and Conservation

Genomic context refers to the surrounding sequences and the overall organization of the genome, which can provide clues about gene function. Conserved sequences across different species often indicate essential genes. In bacterial genomes, operons (clusters of genes transcribed together) are common, while in eukaryotic genomes, synteny (conserved gene order) can help identify homologous genes and their functions.