Question 21:
A series of overlapping clones defining an uninterrupted section of a genome is called:
Genome Contig Overlapping Clones
A contig assembles overlapping DNA clones to map continuous genomic regions without gaps. The correct term is option (B).
Correct Answer
(B) Contig
Contigs form from overlapping clones or sequence reads, creating uninterrupted genome sections essential for assembly in shotgun sequencing.
Key Concept
In genomics, contigs bridge fragmented DNA data via overlaps, forming “contiguous” stretches. Clone contigs provide physical maps; sequence contigs yield actual DNA order.
Option Analysis
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(A) Contour: Incorrect; refers to outlines or lines of equal elevation, not genomics.
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(B) Contig: Correct; series of overlapping clones defining continuous genomic DNA.
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(C) Capsid: Incorrect; protein shell enclosing viral genetic material.
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(D) Chiral: Incorrect; property of non-superimposable mirror-image molecules, like L-amino acids.
| Option | Term | Definition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Contour | Outline/shape | Wrong |
| B | Contig | Overlapping genome clones | Correct |
| C | Capsid | Viral protein coat | Wrong |
| D | Chiral | Handedness in stereochemistry | Wrong |
Exam Preparation Tips
Mnemonic: CONTIG = CONTiguous IG segments. Distinguish from scaffolds (ordered contigs with gaps). Key for NEET bioinformatics.
