The complete set of genetic material of an organism, cell, or biological entity.
A genome contains the genetic information needed to support the development, functioning, and reproduction or replication of the organism or biological entity. In humans, the genome consists primarily of DNA organized into chromosomes, along with a much smaller mitochondrial genome.
The size and organization of genomes vary enormously between organisms. Viral genomes may consist of DNA or RNA, depending on the virus.
QUICK FACT
The genome is much broader than the collection of protein-coding genes. It also includes regulatory and other non-protein-coding sequences.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Gene: a functional unit of genetic information; a genome contains many genes.
- Genetic material: a broader term for the material that carries genetic information; a genome refers to the complete set of that material in a particular organism or biological entity.
- Chromosome: a structure containing DNA and associated proteins; a genome may be distributed across one or many chromosomes.
SEE ALSO