AlphaGenome: DeepMind’s Leap Toward Precision Genomics
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
Why in News: Google DeepMind has unveiled AlphaGenome, a cutting-edge AI model that can predict how mutations in human DNA impact biological function and health. This advancement marks a major step toward personalized medicine and decoding complex genetic diseases.
What is AlphaGenome?
Developed by: Google DeepMind
Purpose: Predicts functional effects of genetic mutations in long stretches of human DNA
Can analyze DNA sequences up to 1 million base pairs
Provides insights into how specific gene mutations influence health, gene expression, and disease
Background & Related Models
Builds upon:
Enformer – predicted gene expression from DNA
AlphaMissense – focused on protein-coding mutations
AlphaGenome goes further by analyzing broader non-coding and regulatory regions of the genome
Why It Matters
Aids in diagnosis of genetic disorders
Helps identify potential drug targets
Supports precision medicine by predicting individual-level responses to genetic changes
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2: Health – Biotechnology applications
GS Paper 3: Science and Tech – AI in healthcare, genomics
Important for healthcare innovations, ethical AI, and data-based medicine
UPSC Prelims Question
Q. With reference to AlphaGenome, consider the following statements:
It is an AI model designed by Google DeepMind to study DNA mutations.
AlphaGenome is capable of analyzing protein synthesis in bacterial cells.
The model can study sequences up to a million base pairs in length.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: AlphaGenome predicts how DNA mutations affect biological functions.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It focuses on human DNA, not bacterial protein synthesis.
Statement 3 is correct: It can process 1 million base pairs.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 3)
How are artificial intelligence models like AlphaGenome revolutionizing the field of genomics and healthcare? Highlight the benefits and challenges of integrating AI in precision medicine.
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