Genomic Biotechnologies for Biodiversity:
  Genomes, Microarrays, and DNA Chips

Steven M. Carr
Department of Biology  /  Memorial University of Newfoundland  /  St. John's NL A1B 3X9
scarr@mun.ca


Genomics: the study of complete gene sets in organisms
     "Genomic Thinking  ": high-volume, high-throughput, massively-parallel approaches
 
      Biotechnology: "The use of biological systems to provide goods & services
"

      Biodiversity: intra- & inter-specific variation in DNA genomes
                               genomic approaches to conservation & population biology,
                                                                           fisheries & aquaculture

                               Ex.: Genomic variation in Newfoundlanders
                               Ex.: Genomic phylogeny
of Codfish
                                          Population Structure in Atlantic Cod
                                Ex.: Genomic phylogeny
of true seals
                                           Population Phylogeography of Harp Seals


       Bioinformatics: computer-based extraction & synthesis of DNA & Protein information
                               Ex.: "BLASTing a Sea Monster"

Current & potential applications of genomic biotechnology for the study of biodiversity
        "DNA Chips" for rapid measurement of genetic biodiversity
        "Real Time" DNA amplification for detection of diagnostic intra- & inter-specific alleles
        cDNA Microarrays for identifying the genomic basis of quantitative variation



New Genetic Biotechnologies for Biodiversity

    Review of Biotechnology
        "Helix & Primer" genomics laboratory


Biotech 101 - "DNA Chips"
    DNA Re-Sequencing Chips for genome-typing individuals
    Multiplex Chips for multiple species: the ArkChip

Biotech 202 - Quantitative "Real Time" PCR
    
rtPCR-ASO test for species identification
   
"One fish, Two fish": differential larval survival by means of  multiplex rtPCR tests
    Relative mating success at diploid loci with multiplex tests

Biotech 303 - Microarray measurement of quantitative gene expression
    "Red fish, Blue fish": Differential genome expression
in fast & slow-growing fish



All material ©2007 by Steven M. Carr