Genomics For Dummies

Genomics is the study of all the genes in our DNA (i.e.: the genome – including the non-coding sequences*), their functions, their interactions with each other and the environment, and their influence on the human body. The study of genomics also involves studying DNA sequencing techniques, such as Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Genetics as a field is a little broader, but there is generally more focus on studying genetic variation and heredity/ inheritance (i.e.: how certain characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next).

This will all start to make sense as we delve more into the topic of Genomics. 😊

*All genomes consist of “coding” and “non-coding” bits of DNA. “Coding” bits (called ‘exons‘) contain DNA sequences that enable the production of specific proteins, which play a role in the functioning human body. But over 98% of the human genome is “non-coding” DNA (called ‘introns‘). We used to think of this type of DNA as junk, but really we are discovering that they play a crucial role in regulating genes, and in epigenetics (the interaction between genes and the environment).