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Explore Genomics

DNA, genes, genomes, biodata - discover more about all things DNA on the pages below.

Introduction to Genomics

What is a cell?

All living things are made of cells. They are the basic building blocks of life. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, all with their own specialised function.

In the Cell

What is DNA?

DNA is the long molecule that contains your unique genetic code. A bit like a recipe book, it holds the instructions your cells need to make all the proteins in your body.

In the Cell

What is a gene?

Genes are small sections of DNA that code for a functional product, like a protein.

In the Cell

Living Things

Are humans still evolving?

For much of nature, natural selection and ‘survival of the fittest’ still play a dominant role; only the strongest can survive in the wild. As little as a few hundred years ago, the same was true for humans.

Living Things

Evolution of modern humans

The origin of modern humans is probably one of the most debated issues in evolutionary biology.

Living Things

Evolution of the human brain

The human brain is staggeringly complex and the product of millions of years of evolution.

Living Things

In the Cell

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

In the Cell

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information. 

In the Cell

Mitosis versus meiosis

Cells divide and reproduce in two ways, mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, whereas meiosis results in four sex cells. Below we highlight the key differences and similarities between the two types of cell division.

In the Cell

Methods and Technology

What is DNA sequencing?

DNA sequencing is the process of working out the exact order of the four chemical building blocks – called bases – in a section of DNA.

Methods and Technology

What is genome editing?

Genome editing is a way of making specific changes to a cell or organism’s DNA – such as adding, removing or altering the DNA sequence. This can be used to change the cell or organism’s characteristics.

Methods and Technology

The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was a large, international project that generated the first sequence of the human genome.

Methods and Technology

Science in Society

Timeline: History of Genomics

Explore key events in genomics and genetics research alongside those in historical and popular culture.

Science in Society

Small Experimental Mouse Is On The Laboratory Researcher's Hand

Genomic conversations: animals in biomedical research

How do you feel about animals being used in biomedical research? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biomedical research - including some of the benefits and limitations and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Genomic conversations: animals in conservation and biodiversity research   

How do you feel about the use of animals in biodiversity research – such as species conservation, biodiversity monitoring or evolutionary studies? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biodiversity research – including some of the benefits and risks and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Health and Disease

What is a genetic condition?

A genetic condition is usually a medical condition or illness, caused by a change in a person’s DNA sequence.

Health and Disease

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing looks for changes and variations in DNA that could put a person at higher risk of a genetic condition.

Health and Disease

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites and can spread between individuals.

Health and Disease

Genomic Conversations

Small Experimental Mouse Is On The Laboratory Researcher's Hand

Genomic conversations: animals in biomedical research

How do you feel about animals being used in biomedical research? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biomedical research - including some of the benefits and limitations and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Genomic conversations: animals in conservation and biodiversity research   

How do you feel about the use of animals in biodiversity research – such as species conservation, biodiversity monitoring or evolutionary studies? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biodiversity research – including some of the benefits and risks and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Genomic conversations: direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Have you ever wanted to know more about your genetic make-up? In this conversation page, we’ll explore direct-to-consumer genetic testing – including some of the benefits and limitations of these tests and what the future may hold.

Science in Society