Genome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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genome
[ˈdʒiːnoʊm ]
Definition
biological study
A genome is the complete set of genetic material within an organism. It includes all of the organism's genes and is composed of DNA in most living organisms, although some viruses have RNA genomes. The study of genomes, known as genomics, involves the analysis of the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes. Genomes vary in size and complexity among different species, and they contain the instructions needed for the growth, development, and reproduction of the organism.
Synonyms
DNA, chromosomes, genetic material.
Examples of usage
- The human genome project was completed in 2003.
- Scientists are studying the plant genome for better crop yields.
- Mutations in the genome can lead to various diseases.
- Advances in genome editing have opened new possibilities for medicine.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, successfully mapped the entire human genome, containing over 3 billion DNA base pairs.
- Genomes can vary greatly among species, with the smallest being that of a parasitic bacterium, consisting of about 112,000 base pairs, while plants like wheat may have more than 16 billion base pairs.
Technology
- Genome sequencing technologies have advanced rapidly, allowing scientists to read DNA more quickly and affordably than ever before.
- CRISPR technology enables researchers to edit specific parts of genomes, opening new possibilities in medicine and agriculture.
Ethics
- The study of genomes raises ethical questions about privacy, especially when it comes to genetic testing and ownership of one's genetic information.
- There is ongoing debate regarding genetic modification of organisms, particularly in food production and environmental impacts.
Pop Culture
- Genomics is increasingly referenced in popular media, with TV shows exploring genetically modified organisms and their effects on society.
- Books like 'The Gene: An Intimate History' by Siddhartha Mukherjee have popularized genetic science, blending history with personal narratives.
Origin of 'genome'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'genome' was first coined in 1920 by a German botanist named Hans Winkler, combining the words 'gene' and 'chromosome'.
- The root 'gene' comes from the Greek word 'genesis', meaning 'to create' or 'birth'.
The term 'genome' was coined in 1920 by Hans Winkler, a German botanist, and it derived from the word 'gene' combined with the suffix '-ome,' which indicates a full set or condition. Initially used to describe the genetic material of plants, the use of 'genome' expanded with advancements in genetics and molecular biology. By the late 20th century, the term became widely recognized due to significant scientific milestones, including the Human Genome Project, which mapped all the genes in the human genome. The development of techniques for analyzing and manipulating genomes, like CRISPR, has further popularized the term and underscored its relevance in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.