genome

[ jee-nohm ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. a full set of chromosomes; all the inheritable traits of an organism.

genome

/ ˈdʒiːnəʊm; dʒɪˈnɒmɪk /

noun

1. the full complement of genetic material within an organism
2. all the genes comprising a haploid set of chromosomes

genome

/ jē′nōm /

1. The total amount of genetic information in the chromosomes of an organism, including its genes and DNA sequences. The genome of eukaryotes is made up of a single, haploid set of chromosomes that is contained in the nucleus of every cell and exists in two copies in all cells except reproductive and red blood cells. The human genome is made up of about 20,000 to 25,000 genes.
2. Compare proteome

genome

1. The sum of all information contained in the DNA for any living thing. The sequence of all the nucleotides in all the chromosomes of an organism.

Derived Forms

• genomic, adjective

Other Words From

• ge·no·mic [ji-, noh, -mik, -, nom, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of genome¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from German Genom, from Gen gene + (Chromos)om chromosome

Word History and Origins

Origin of genome¹

C20: from German Genom, from Gen gene + ( chromos ) ome

Example Sentences

The safety of mass-produced food has improved dramatically in the last three decades, experts noted, thanks to better sanitization procedures, increased regulation and the use of technologies such as whole genome sequencing to help detect pathogens quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

Whole genome sequencing for affected families is now offered on the NHS and new parents are offered screening for 200 genetic disorders by testing the umbilical cord.

From BBC

And once again, no, the human genome is not a few mutations away from carcinization.

From Salon

This occurs when genetic material is incorporated into an organism’s genome in some way other than through reproduction.

From Salon

To simplify a bit, if Bacteria A acquires gene 1 by horizontal transfer and also acquires gene 2, and then we notice that Bacteria B has also acquired gene 1, we might correctly predict that Bacteria B has gene 2 as well — because in this scenario, genes 1 and 2 tend to stick together in a genome.

From Salon