Finding genes in genomes In bioinformatics and genome projects, which activity is specifically concerned with determining the locations of specific genes within a genome and adding feature information to the sequence?

Introduction / Context:
After a genome is sequenced, scientists must identify genes, regulatory elements, and functional features on that sequence. This curation step, called genome annotation, is central to turning raw bases into biological insight. The question asks for the precise term used for mapping gene locations and adding descriptive metadata.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Genome sequence is available.
• Task: determine where genes reside and what they may encode.
• Distinguish annotation from broader fields like genomics and proteomics.

Concept / Approach:

Annotation includes structural annotation (gene boundaries, start/stop codons, intron–exon structures) and functional annotation (putative roles, protein domains, pathways). While genomics is the broader discipline studying genomes, annotation is the specific process of locating and describing features on the genome sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Major genome databases (e.g., RefSeq, Ensembl) publish annotations that include gene models and function predictions, demonstrating the standard usage of the term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Genomics: Too broad; encompasses sequencing, analysis, and interpretation.
• Cloning: Laboratory method to copy DNA fragments, not genome-wide mapping.
• Proteomics: Study of expressed proteins, not gene loci.
• Comparative phylogenetics: Compares evolutionary relationships, not locating genes on a sequence.

Common Pitfalls:

• Equating “genomics” with the specific curation step; annotation is the focused term for this mapping process.

Final Answer:

Annotation