Introduction to genomics

Want to start exploring genomics but not sure where to begin? Discover everything you need to know with our Introduction to Genomics series.

FILTERS: CLEAR FILTERS

Picture of a 3d illustration of conceptual human cells

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

What is a chromosome?

Chromosomes are tightly coiled bundles of DNA found in the nucleus of almost every cell in our body.

In the Cell

Chromosome & Cell Nucleus with Telomere and Dna concept - 3d graphic

What is a genome?

A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop.

In the Cell

What is RNA?

RNA is a nucleic acid similar to DNA, but with only a single, helical strand of bases. It plays a key role in turning DNA instructions into functional proteins.

In the Cell

How is DNA turned into protein? The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The ‘Central Dogma of Molecular Biology’ is a model describing the way information stored in our DNA is converted into a functional product, such as a protein. It was first proposed in 1958 by Francis Crick, who co-discovered the structure of DNA.

In the Cell

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change that occurs in our DNA sequence. This can be caused by normal processes inside the cell or by environmental factors, such as UV light.

In the Cell

Image showing 6 stages of embryo development of mice. Image showing developing stages from days 1-4.

What is inheritance?

Inheritance is the way that genetic information is passed from a parent to a child.

In the Cell

Image showing DNA chromatogram graph. Different DNA bases are represented by different coloured peaks on the graph. Underneath the graph is the corresponding DNA base letters associated with the peaks of the graph.

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

Picture of a scientist preparing covid samples for sequencing.

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

Colourful 3D background of lots of different viruses such as Covid-19 and influenza.

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

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

A conceptual illustration of genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). In order to edit a genetic sequence, a Cas9 protein (purple) attaches to the DNA of a cell using a guide RNA (orange) that matches a target DNA sequence, and separates the double helix. A protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence on the cell's DNA (green) indicates where the Cas9 protein locks down and cuts the target DNA. Once the sequence has been cut, the DNA can be disabled or altered.

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

Photo of a man presenting the front cover of Nature Magazine with the Human Genome Project on the front page.

Timeline: History of Genomics

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

Science in Society