Genetics and infectious diseases

What is genomics?

• Genomic refers to the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes.

• Genomic is a type of programming language used for bioinformatics.

• Genomic is a type of protein found in cell membranes.

Answer explanation

Genomics is the study of an organism's complete set of DNA, which includes all of its genes. This definition clearly distinguishes it from programming languages or proteins, making the first choice the correct answer.

How vaccines work?

• Vaccines change your DNA to make you immune.

• Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens.

• Vaccines prevent all diseases permanently.

Answer explanation

Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, without altering DNA or guaranteeing permanent disease prevention.

How does genetic data help in vaccine development?

• It helps identify effective antibiotics

• It replaces the need for clinical trials

• It allows researches to predict pathogen mutations and target antigens

• It eliminates the need for vaccines altogether

Answer explanation

Genetic data is crucial in vaccine development as it enables researchers to predict how pathogens may mutate and identify specific antigens to target, ensuring vaccines are effective against evolving threats.

Which genomic technology was crucial in developing COVID-19 vaccines?

• DNA fingerprinting

• Next-generation sequencing(NGS)

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer explanation

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was crucial for rapidly decoding the SARS-CoV-2 genome, enabling the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. It provided the necessary genetic information to design targeted vaccine strategies.

Which gene is linked to asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?

• ACE

• BRCA1

• HBB

Answer explanation

The ACE gene is associated with the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system, which may influence the immune response to COVID-19, potentially leading to asymptomatic cases. This makes ACE the correct choice.

What is the main goal of a global genetic surveillance strategy?

• To detect and monitor new infectious disease threats.

• To sequence every human genome in the world.

• To collect genetic data for commercial purposes.

Answer explanation

The main goal of a global genetic surveillance strategy is to detect and monitor new infectious disease threats, enabling timely responses to outbreaks and protecting public health.

How can genetic research help in preparing for future pandemics?

• By making all pathogens harmless

• By replacing the need for vaccines

• By identifying high-risk populations based on genetic susceptibility

Answer explanation

Genetic research can identify high-risk populations based on genetic susceptibility, allowing for targeted interventions and better preparedness for future pandemics, unlike making pathogens harmless or replacing vaccines.

Which of the following best describes the role of mRNA vaccine development?

• It eliminates the need for booster doses

• It carries genetic instructions to produce viral proteins

• It permanently alters human DNA

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'It carries genetic instructions to produce viral proteins', accurately describes mRNA vaccines, which instruct cells to make a harmless piece of the virus, prompting an immune response without altering DNA.

Which approach is most effective for global pandemic preparedness?

• Testing only symptomatic individuals

• Closing all international borders permanently

• Real-time genomic surveillance of pathogens

Answer explanation

Real-time genomic surveillance of pathogens allows for early detection and monitoring of emerging threats, enabling timely responses. This proactive approach is more effective than testing only symptomatic individuals or closing borders.