Gene annotation is the process of identifying and interpreting the sequences of DNA and RNA that encode proteins and functional RNAs. It is an essential step in genomics research, helping scientists understand the structure, function, and regulation of genes.
Key Concepts
- Genes: Sequences of DNA that encode proteins or functional RNAs.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in most organisms.
- RNA: Ribonucleic acid, which plays a crucial role in the expression of genes.
- Proteins: Large molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms.
Steps in Gene Annotation
- Sequence Alignment: Comparing the DNA or RNA sequence of a gene to a database of known sequences to identify similar sequences.
- Gene Prediction: Using computational methods to predict the location and structure of genes within the sequence.
- Validation: Experimental validation of the predicted genes to ensure their accuracy.
Resources
For more information on gene annotation, you can visit our Gene Annotation Tools.
Gene Annotation Diagram