Genomics is the study of all the genes in an organism, also known as its genome.
Genomics includes identifying the specific building blocks of all of the genes in a cell, mapping their locations in relation to the rest of the DNA, and studying the function of those genes or combinations of genes.
The term genome was first used in 1930 to denote all the genes on all the chromosomes within the nucleus of a cell. In 1944, DNA was identified as the genetic material of all living organisms.
DNA is made up of four similar chemicals (called bases and abbreviated A, T, C, and G) that are repeated millions or billions of times throughout a genome. The human genome, for example, has 3 billion pairs of bases.
Once the genetic code was discovered in 1961, scientists realized that organisms had finite numbers of genes. These genes hold all the information necessary for an organism to grow, function and reproduce.
By sequencing genes, we can discover the blueprint for life. The first entire genome (of a human mitochondria) was sequenced in 1981. Researchers completed a working draft sequence of the entire human genome in 2000.
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Opportunities in Genomics
Genomics and related sciences have exploded in recent years, presenting exciting opportunities in medicine, agriculture and environmental preservation and protection.
Safer drugs with fewer side effects, crops that grow faster and are less susceptible to drought and disease, and effective means of preventing and cleaning up pollution are just a few of the potential uses for new discoveries in these exciting sciences. For more information visit Jobs in Genomics.