As the director of a new nonprofit functional genomics research center, it is your job to oversee the set up of each laboratory necessary for achieving the center's research goals. Therefore, you plan to include a (select all that apply)A) DNA microarray facility.B) proteomics lab.C) lab to improve sequencing speed and cost.D) mutagenesis facility.E) ancient DNA laboratory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A, B, D

Clarify Question
• What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o This question addresses functional genomics.
• What type of thinking is required?
        o This question is asking you to weigh and judge, or evaluate, evidence to choose the best of the possible answers.
• What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
        o Functional genomics focuses on understanding the connection between genes and phenotype. In other words, how exactly does a gene influence the workings of the cell? 

Gather Content
• What do you already know about functional genomics?
        o We can think of functional genomics as the study of what genes do.
        o By focusing on the function of genes, we can understand how certain mutations or disruptions of gene expression can be connected to disease. 

Consider Possibilities
• Consider the different answer options. Which can you rule out?
        o Would a lab to improve sequencing speed and cost fit in with the goals of a functional genomics center? Not really. While important, sequencing efficiency does not directly address functional genomics.
        o Would an ancient DNA laboratory fit in with the goals of a functional genomics center? Not really. Sometimes ancient DNA could provide some insight into gene changes and disease, but studying ancient DNA is not a direct approach to understanding gene function. It is more likely to provide insight into evolution. 

Choose Answer
• Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o Would a DNA microarray facility fit in with the goals of a functional genomics center? Yes, that allows researchers to study how the genes are expressed in different cell types and conditions-an important aspect of gene function.
        o Would a proteomics lab fit in with the goals of a functional genomics center? Yes, this allows the researchers to study large numbers of proteins in different cell types and conditions.
        o Would a mutagenesis facility fit in with the goals of a functional genomics center? Yes, that would allow researchers to see directly what the phenotypic outcome is for loss-of-function of a particular gene. 

Reflect on Process
• Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o This question asked what should be included in a functional genomics center.
        o The question required you to weigh and judge, or evaluate, evidence to choose the best of the possible answers.
        o Did you recognize that functional genomics is about connecting genes to phenotype?