Genomics Mythbusting

Genetics and genomics are the same thing

• True

• False

Match the following terms to their definitions

• Study of chemical modifications that change how genes are regulated

• Genomics

• Study of all genes and their interrelationships

• Genetics

• Study of single genes and their function

• Epigenomics

What year was the term "genomics" first used?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

A huddle of scientists coined the term "genomics" when brainstorming the name of a new academic journal in 1986, four years before the Human Genome Project began.

Genes can have more than one function

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The "W" gene affects traits related to fur colour, eye colour and hearing in cats

Reorder the following to complete the sentence: "Cats with the 'W' gene always..."

• have

• blue eyes

• and

• white fur

• often have

Answer explanation

Not every cat that has white fur has blue eyes. This is because some gene variants only influence the odds of a trait occurring; they don't cause it.

Scientists call this "incomplete penetrance"

Most mutations to an organisms' DNA sequence

• are harmful

• have a neutral impact

• are beneficial

Answer explanation

Mutation drives diversity in the natural world. Hair colour is an example of a neutral mutation.

Match the following creatures to their adaptation

• maintains blood pressure ~2x that of humans

• 
• produces antifreeze molecules

• 
• absorbs oxygen above 11,000m altitude

• 
• protects its brain with its tongue

• 

Where an organism lives can influence the impact of a mutation

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Tuskless elephants are best adapted to living in environments where humans illegally kill for ivory.

Protected areas with no poaching pressure allow tusked elephants to outcompete tuskless ones.

Which of the following citrus fruits was NOT created by selective breeding

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• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Mandarins are ancestors to many other citrus fruits.

Selective breeding where two species are combined (or "hybridized") can produce new varieties

image: National Geographic

Genomics can NOT help mitigate the impacts of climate change

• True

• False

Answer explanation

With an understanding of genomics and an accurate forecast for climate change, scientists can help protect threats to biodiversity caused by rapidly changing environments.