What is genomics?
Genomics is the study of all the genes in an organism, also known as its genome. The science includes identifying the specific building blocks of all 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.

Genomics can lead to the development of hardier crop plants to benefit farmers, more nutritious foods to fight hunger and malnutrition, and plants and natural systems to clean up toxic waste, oil spills or polluted air. All of this is possible by understanding how organisms, based on their genetic makeup, carry out their daily function.

Genetics or Genomics?

Genetics

  • Study specific part of a specific gene
  • Try to figure out how a certain phenotype or disease is controlled.

Genomics

  • Study the entire genome of a species
  • Try to figure out what all the pieces do and how they work together.