genomics

Genomics is the large-scale study of groups of genes. These groups can be all the genes of an organism, or multiple organisms. The full complement of genetic material in an organism is called its genome. Therefore, genomics involves studies that are conducted at the level of the genome.

The field of genomics can be subdivided into a number of areas. For instance, comparative genomics involves comparing the genomes of different organisms. Comparative genomics can be used to define important structural sequences that are identical in many genomes and to detect evolutionary changes across genomes. Structural genomics involves the physical nature of genomes and includes the sequencing and mapping of genomes. Functional genomics involves studying the expression and function of the genome. Genomics can also involve the investigation of interactions between genes and between genes and the environment.