What is a genome?

What is a genome?

• A. All of the DNA in chromosomes.
• B. All proteins produced by an organism.
• C. The complete set of RNA transcripts.
• D. The cell's organelles.

Answer: (A)

A genome is the complete set of genetic material an organism carries. In most contexts this means the DNA within the chromosomes—the nuclear genome—including all genes and the noncoding regions that regulate them. The other options point to different biological concepts: proteins produced is the proteome, RNA transcripts are the transcriptome, and the cell’s organelles are cellular structures, not the genetic material itself. Since a genome encompasses the entire DNA content found in chromosomes, that description best defines what a genome is.

A genome is the complete set of genetic material an organism carries. In most contexts this means the DNA within the chromosomes—the nuclear genome—including all genes and the noncoding regions that regulate them. The other options point to different biological concepts: proteins produced is the proteome, RNA transcripts are the transcriptome, and the cell’s organelles are cellular structures, not the genetic material itself. Since a genome encompasses the entire DNA content found in chromosomes, that description best defines what a genome is.