Genomics studies an organism’s genetic material by sequencing its DNA to identify specific genes. It began in the 1970s and has since yielded insights into genetic defects, hereditary conditions, and protein expression. Genomics differs from genetics, which focuses on specific genes. The entire human genome was sequenced in 2003, revealing complex relationships between genes and DNA fragments.
Genomics is the study of the collective genetic material in an organism. This scientific discipline is focused on sequencing the DNA in an organism to form a complete picture and then identifying specific genes in that sequence that may be of interest. Genomics began in the 1970s, when scientists first began genetic sequencing of simple organisms, and really took off as a field in the 1980s and 1990s, with the advent of scientific equipment to assist researchers.
By sequencing the entire DNA template of an organism, scientists can glean a wealth of information. Complete sequences can be compared, for example, to gain more insight into how creatures survive in different environments. A genetic sequence can also be used as a baseline for studying other members of the same species and for identifying genetic defects, hereditary conditions, and other questions of interest, such as protein expression and the role of “junk” DNA in the body.
In genomics, scientists analyze the DNA in each chromosome of the organism of interest. When a fully sequenced set of DNA has been created, this set is collectively known as the “genome.” The genomes of many species have been sequenced, from bacteria to humans. Each species’ genome is markedly different, with varying numbers of nucleotides that can translate into enormous amounts of information. Within a species, genetic variation may be small, but still interesting, because it can explain certain traits or tendencies.
This scientific discipline is different from the study of genetics, which focuses on specific genes and what they do. Certain genetics is certainly involved in genomics; for example, a scientist might want to know more about the specific location of a gene within an organism’s genome, in which case he or she would use genomic techniques. Genomics examines the collective role and function of an organism’s genome, not necessarily the behaviors of individual sections.
In 2003, scientists managed to sequence the entire human genome. A number of other organisms had been sequenced by that time, and more are being sequenced every year. Now that scientists can examine the human genome as a whole, they can begin to see the complex relationships between genes and DNA fragments, and can identify areas that could benefit from further study. The unraveling of the human genome has also yielded some interesting surprises, such as more information about the role of the so-called extra X chromosome in women.
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