Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have to write an abstract on my project... My question is : Over a two year or more period does the same virus have less letters align or more letters align in the sequence? I cannot seem to find my iformation... And do I base my conclusion on the 756 letters that come up on the screen after I BLAST "A/New Caledonia/20/99". Please respond by Wednesday, February 16, 2011, because my abstract is due on Thursday. Thank you soooo much!!!!!

Hi,

I moved your post to the Life Sciences forum. Here is a link to your previous post about this project, for everyone's reference:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... 496#p29496

Here's some good information about writing abstracts:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ract.shtml

Amanda

Thank you... But do you think you can help me with my questioln ny helping me answer it... cuz i am a but confused on how to answer my quetion... Thanks

I think you are asking if the virus sequence changes over time, and so the alignment of virus sequence against other virus sequence changes over time?
Yes, the virus sequence can change and evolve over time. That is why there are so many different sequences for influenza virus depending on the year and where it was isolated. But the sequence that is stored in the database for a particular name (eg. A/New Caledonia/20/99) will be the same because that name is specific for the place and year that particular virus was isolated and sequenced.
Does that help? post back if you have more questions.
-Caroline