04 Molecular Basis of Inheritance - part 12 - Genomics

04 Molecular Basis of Inheritance - part 12 - Genomics


Genomics: 
  • The term Genome (introduced by H.Winkler in 1920) is the total genetic constitution of an organism. 
  • Alternatively, it is a complete copy of genetic information (DNA) or one complete set of chromosomes (monoploid or haploid) of an organism. 
  • The term Genomics (term coined by T.H. Roderick in 1986) is the study of genomes through analysis, sequencing and mapping of genes along with the study of their functions.
  • The sequencing of yeast, Drosophila and mousegenome was done in order to facilitate comparative studies between humans and other organisms commonly used for genetic studies, in laboratory.
  •  Several additional genomes are now either actively being sequenced or strongly considered for sequencing. 
  • These include several microbes, bee, tomato and other crops. 
  • Genomics study may be classified into two types:
  1.  Structural genomics
  2. Functional genomics
Structural genomics: 
  • It involves mapping, sequencing and analysis of genome. 
Functional genomics: 
  • It deals with the study of functions of all gene sequences and their expression in organisms. 
Application of genomics: 
  • Improvement of crop plant, human health and livestock. 
  • Applied in a number of different sectors, including medicine, biotechnology and social sciences. 
  • Treatment of genetic disorders through gene therapy. 
  • Used in agriculture to develop transgenic crops having more desirable characters. 
  • Genetic markers developed in genomics, have applications in forensic analysis. 
  • Genomics can lead to introduce new gene in microbes to produce enzymes, therapeutic proteins and even biofuels.

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