What is Genome?
What is a Genome?
A genome is the complete set of genetic information that defines a living organism. It includes all the DNA in an organism's cells, which contains the instructions needed to build and maintain that organism.
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At the core of the genome is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a special molecule that carries genetic information. Think of DNA as a long instruction manual for building everything in our body.
DNA is made up of four smaller molecules known as bases:
- Adenine (A)
- Thymine (T)
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
The sequence, or order, of these bases is what provides the instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of our cells and play a crucial role in how our bodies function.
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| Image: DNA [Credit: yourgenome.org] |
Genes: The Functional Units of DNA
A gene is a specific segment of DNA that contains instructions for producing a particular protein. For example, a gene might instruct the body to produce a protein that helps build muscle or fight infections.
The Human Genome
In humans, the genome is made up of approximately 3 billion bases. Despite this vast amount of information, about 99.9% of our genome is the same across all people. The tiny remaining difference—just 0.1%—is what makes each person unique.
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Genetic Variations
One way our genomes can differ is through variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced "snips"). SNPs are spots in the genome where some people have one base (like A), and others have a different one (like G). These small differences in our DNA contribute to our unique traits, such as eye color or susceptibility to certain diseases.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the genome is important because it helps scientists learn more about how our bodies work, how we inherit traits from our parents, and how genetic variations can affect our health. Research in genomics can lead to breakthroughs in medicine, including personalized treatments for diseases based on an individual's genetic makeup.
(Reference: wikipedia.org, genome.gov, yourgenome.org, springernature.com)
