How to Create a Venn Diagram With Gene Data
Venn diagrams, created by John Venn in 1881, are an effective and easy-to-read way to compare results from gene studies. Based on set theory, the diagrams show how sets of information are related to one another mathematically and logically. The diagrams can easily show similarities, differences or distinctions between data sets such as lists of genes from biological studies.
Instructions
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1
Draw a circle for each category. Overlap them by one third so that they intersect. Label these circles with the substances you are studying, For example, if you are studying the effects of different antibiotics on gene expression, you might draw two circles and label them "amoxicillin" and "chlortetracycline."
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2
Study your list of gene data and identify the genes that are expressed only once. For example, you might have a list of 100 genes, 45 of which show up when amoxicillin is administered, and 39 show up when chlortetracycline is administered.
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3
Write the numbers from Step 2 in the appropriate circle. For the example above, "45" would be written in the amoxicillin circle and "39" should be written in the chlortetracycline circle. At this point, the intersection of the circles should be empty.
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4
Write down the number of genes that appear in both lists. For example, 59 genes might be expressed when both amoxicillin and chlortetracycline are administered. Place the number 59 in the middle (the intersection) between the first and second circle.
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5
Check to make sure you have entered the data correctly and that all gene expressions on your list have been placed on the Venn diagram.
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