genome
JEE-nohm
/ˈdʒiːnoʊm/
The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
Refers to the entire 'instruction manual' of an organism, not just individual traits.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1920 by Hans Winkler, a professor of botany. He blended 'gene' with 'chromosome' to describe the entire hereditary package of an organism.
Word relationships
- genetic code: Genetic code refers to the rules by which DNA is translated; genome is the actual physical set of DNA.
Commonly confused with
- gene: A gene is a single unit of heredity; the genome is the collection of all genes.
Word family
- genomic (adjective): Relating to a genome.
- genomics (noun): The branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.
Collocations
- genome sequencing
- human genome
- genome editing
Example sentences
- "Mapping the human genome was a monumental task that took over a decade to complete." Discussion of the Human Genome Project.
- "By sequencing the rice genome, scientists identified genes that help the plant survive in flooded conditions." Agricultural research on rice.
Memory hook
Genome is like a 'Gnome' who holds the entire library of your DNA. The master blueprint.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'genotype,' which refers to the genetic makeup of a specific individual regarding a specific trait.
Fun facts
- The human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA.
Related words
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