

Akemi Ramos
Biography
Contact details:
Biography
I am an undergraduate student studying genetics at The University of Manchester. I developed a fascination with genetics early on in my education and as a placement student at EI I have a perfect opportunity to see genetics applied.
I am part of Anthony Hall’s group and work closely with Ben Coombes in his project about transposons in wheat cultivars. The wheat is an interesting crop because it has a complex genome which means it has only been relatively recently sequenced. With over 80% of the genome being composed of transposable elements, analysing these elements can give a real insight into the wheat genome.
My work focuses on the bioinformatic analysis of MITEs, which is a type of DNA transposon, in the wheat cultivar Chinese Spring. The analysis includes finding the number of MITES in each gene feature, the relative distribution of MITE superfamilies within a gene and determining whether MITEs insert more in intergenic regions or genic regions.
My analysis utilises a range of skills including using python, R, the command line and the HPC. This year has already taught me new skills and I’m eager to keep progressing and expand my knowledge.
Related reading.

On the origin of errors: the causes and consequences of mistakes during DNA replication

Why is genome annotation important?

Why cloud computing is important for data-driven bioscience research

How bioinformatics can crack the complex case of protist biodiversity

The dramatic effects genomics will have on our future world

The inextricable link between climate change and biodiversity.

Hidden Biodiversity: How genomics can save nature’s secrets before they’re lost forever

Big Data initiative awarded £6.3 million as part of major UKRI investment in research infrastructure

Not all looks rosy for the pink pigeon

Coronavirus jams communication signals to immune cells in the gut

Precision medicine tool finds hidden genetic connections that could personalise IBD treatment

Deciphering gut microbiome ‘chatter’ to combat IBD

New legislation granted to progress plant gene editing in UK

'Molecular Facebook’ signals researchers to right path for understanding cell function in disease
