Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A genome is the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism. It's like the blueprint for an organism's design and function.
This is the study of whole genomes, including how they interact with each other and the environment.
DNA Sequencing: This process determines the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. It's like reading every single word in every book in our analogy's library.
Genetic Code: This is essentially nature’s language for writing out instructions in our DNA. It tells cells how to build different proteins for various functions – it’s like decoding all those recipes written inside our analogy's books!