Sample interview questions: How do you approach studying the genetics of infectious diseases?
Sample answer:
Approaching the Study of Infectious Disease Genetics:
- Identify the pathogen: Determine the specific microorganism responsible for the infection.
- Isolate the DNA/RNA: Extract genetic material from the pathogen or infected host cells.
- Sequence the genome: Use advanced sequencing technologies to determine the entire genetic code of the pathogen.
- Annotate the genome: Identify and assign functions to different genes and genetic elements.
- Compare with reference genomes: Analyze the pathogen’s genome in comparison to well-characterized reference strains to identify unique or conserved features.
- Identify virulence factors: Determine which genes are responsible for the pathogen’s ability to infect, cause disease, and evade host defenses.
- Study transmission dynamics: Analyze genetic variation within pathogen populations to understand how they spread and evolve.
- Investigate drug resistance: Identify mutations or genetic adaptat… Read full answer