Genomics

Definition

Genomics is the study of the complete set of DNA (the genome) in an organism, including its structure, function, evolution, and mapping. It involves analyzing and interpreting genes and their interactions to understand biological processes and diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Human Genome Project was a landmark initiative that mapped the entire human genome.
2. Genomic techniques include sequencing technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS).
3. Comparative genomics compares the genomes of different species to identify similarities and differences.
4. Functional genomics aims to understand gene functions and interactions by studying gene expression patterns.
5. Epigenomics studies modifications on genetic material that do not change the DNA sequence but affect gene activity.

Review Questions

• What was the primary goal of the Human Genome Project?
• Which technology is commonly used for large-scale DNA sequencing in genomics?
• How does comparative genomics contribute to our understanding of evolutionary biology?

Related terms

Gene Sequencing: Determining the exact sequence of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions.

Bioinformatics: The application of computational tools to analyze biological data, especially genomic data.