What does genome mean?
A genome is the complete set of genetic material contained in a cell, organism, or virus. In most living things, this material is DNA, although some viruses use RNA as their genome. A genome includes genes as well as noncoding sequences and, in organisms with multiple chromosomes, the full collection of chromosomal DNA. The term became especially prominent through large-scale sequencing projects, including the Human Genome Project, which mapped much of the sequence of human DNA. In biology and medicine, genome commonly refers to this physical and informational system of hereditary information. In broader discussion, it can also serve as a metaphor for the complete biological instructions that shape an organism or system. Because a genome contains more than genes alone, the word is broader than gene and should not be used as a simple synonym for it. Genome is also related to genetics, genotype, and genomics, the scientific study of genomes and their functions.
nounThe complete set of genetic material in a cell, organism, or virus, including all genes and the noncoding sequences between or within them. The term is also used figuratively for the complete genetic blueprint of an organism or system.
- In biology, the complete set of genetic material in a cell, organism, or virus.
- By extension, the complete genetic information or underlying biological design of a person, organism, or system.
"Researchers sequenced the genome of the rare plant to identify the mutations responsible for its unusual flowering pattern."
"The bacterium has a remarkably small genome compared with most living organisms."
"The company's genome database gives researchers access to the DNA of thousands of people."
The plural genomes refers to the complete genetic material of two or more cells, organisms, viruses, or other biological systems.
"Scientists compared the genomes of people resistant and susceptible to the infection."
Your genome is not just a blueprint for your body; it is the vast, nearly complete instruction set inherited from your parents.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does genome come from?
The word genome was formed in English in the early twentieth century from Greek γένος (genos), meaning “race,” “kind,” or “stock,” together with the biological suffix -ome, used to indicate a body or structure. The term was developed to name the complete set of genetic material of an organism, rather than an individual gene. Its relatives include gene, genetics, and genotype, while genus is a Latin cognate sharing the same ancient root.
Related word forms
How genome is actually used
Genome is primarily a formal scientific term used in biology, genetics, medicine, and biotechnology. In figurative use, it can suggest a complete underlying plan or set of instructions.
Easily confused with genome
A gene is a particular segment of DNA that contributes to a specified function, whereas a genome is the complete set of genetic material.
A genotype is the particular combination of alleles an organism or cell carries, while a genome is the broader complete set of genetic material.