Introduction
Gene ontology (GO) is a term that aims to encompass the major characteristics of a gene and how it functions in an organism. The terminology used is standardized and groups of scientists all contribute to make the information as accurate as possible. There are three constituent parts of gene ontology, namely the molecular function, biological process, and cellular component. See below for definitions of these three components, as well as what the gene ontology is for HGD.
Results
Molecular Function
The molecular function component of gene ontology aims to categorize the function of the protein at a more basic level. Examples of terms used include "receptor binding activity". The terms can be even more specific, like in the case of HGD. The molecular process for HGD is documented as "homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase activity", which is convenient as HGD stands for "homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase". This molecular function in particular relates to HGD's activity in exchanging one of the benzyl carbons in homogentisic acid with an oxygen molecule.
Biological Process
Fig 1: The tyrosine molecule
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The biological process of the gene is generally the pathway the gene is involved in. Like the molecular function category, labels in this category can be broad or narrow, from "cellular transport" to "cholesterol transport". Again, like with the molecular function component, HGD is given a more specific label: "tyrosine metabolic process". As seen on the home page of this website, HGD is one of the last steps in the tyrosine breakdown pathway.
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Cellular Component
The cellular component of a gene is a rather simple one, as it defines where the cell the gene product is most found. In the case of HGD, the protein product is found primarily in the cytoplasm.
Discussion
The gene ontology terms for HGD are not particularly helpful for the direct development of my specific aims, but are helpful for increasing my understanding of the gene itself. Without a firm understanding of the gene product, what it does, and where it is found, making insightful specific aims to meet my goal would be near impossible.
References:
Ontology Documentation (1999-2018). Retrieved March 15, 2018, from http://geneontology.org/page/ontology-documentation |
Image references:
Fig 1: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/L-Tyrosin_-_L-Tyrosine.svg/1200px-L-Tyrosin_-_L-Tyrosine.svg.png Header: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/magazine/rights-exempt/2016/08/dna-revolution/gene-editing-visual-final.ngsversion.1468612441126.adapt.1900.1.png |