Summary
Study of the full set of genes of an organism and how they interact.
In depth
Structural genomics maps and sequences; functional genomics assigns function; comparative genomics compares species. Genome sizes vary: human 3.1 Gb, rice 430 Mb, Paris japonica over 148 Gb. Most of the human genome is non-coding.
Genome annotation identifies genes, regulatory elements and repeats. Pan-genomes capture variation across individuals. Genomic data underpin personalised medicine and evolutionary studies.
Remember: genome size does not correlate with organism complexity (C-value paradox).
Genomics studies whole genomes: their sequence, structure, function, variation and evolution. Structural genomics maps and sequences; functional genomics asks what genes do; comparative genomics compares species.
Genome size does not match complexity: some amoebae and plants have far more DNA than humans, because of non-coding DNA and repeats. Variants such as SNPs, copy-number changes and structural rearrangements underlie traits and disease, studied by genome-wide association studies.
Example: sequencing a tumour finds mutations to guide therapy.
Key idea: a genome is not just a list of genes; regulatory regions, RNA genes and chromatin organisation matter too.
Frequently asked questions
What is Genomics?
Study of the full set of genes of an organism and how they interact.
Which area of biology covers Genomics, and how advanced is it?
Genomics is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Comparative Genomics, Sequence Alignment, Human Genome Project.
Can you give an example of Genomics?
The ENCODE project assigned biochemical functions to much of the human genome.
What should I learn before Genomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Genomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Genomics?
The closest topics to Genomics are Comparative Genomics, Sequence Alignment, Human Genome Project, Single-Cell Sequencing. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Genomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Genomics. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Genomics different from Comparative Genomics?
Genomics: Study of the full set of genes of an organism and how they interact. Comparative Genomics: Comparing genomes of different species to identify conserved functions and evolutionary changes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Genomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Comparative Genomics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.