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Explore genomics

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

Introduction to genomics

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
3d illustration of DNA molecules

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
Image of a DNA encoding

What is a gene?

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

In the Cell

In the cell

Stem Cell

What is a stem cell?

A stem cell has the unique ability to develop into other specialised cell types in the body.

In the Cell
illustration of DNA replication

What happens in DNA replication?

DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself. This happens during cell division, making sure that each new cell receives the same genetic information as the parent cell.

In the Cell
image of mitosis

What is mitosis?

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

In the Cell

Health and disease

3d illustration of Uncontrolled cell growth

Is cancer a genetic disease?

Cancer is the most common human genetic disease. The transition from a normal cell to a malignant cancer is driven by changes to a cell’s DNA, also known as mutations.

Health and Disease
3d Rendering Of Small Molecule Drug Binding To Cell Surface

How are drugs designed and developed?

Drug development is the process that takes us from an idea in the lab through extensive testing to a final product that can be used to treat people with specific conditions. 

Health and Disease
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

Living things

image of fossils

What is evolution?

In biology, evolution is the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection.

Living Things
Computed tomography of human brain

Are humans still evolving?

Yes, humans are still evolving today. Genetic science shows this in action.

Living Things
Golden Rice grain compared to white rice grain in screenhouse of Golden Rice plants.

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering refers to the direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organism’s characteristics in a particular way.

Living Things

Methods and technology

3d Rendering Crispr Dna Editing

How do we use CRISPR gene editing to study diseases?

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool used to alter specific sequences of DNA in a cell. It has many uses both in research and in helping us understand disease.

Methods and Technology
Scientist wearing gloves looking through a telescope

How are stem cells used in research and medicine?

Stem cells can provide valuable information about early human development and why different diseases occur and could lead to new therapies to replace lost or damaged cells.

Methods and Technology

Using artificial intelligence for genomic research

Scientists use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve our understanding of many aspects of biology. Applications range from insights into biological processes, better knowledge of complex diseases or health issues, and tools for engineering new drugs. But what exactly is AI? On this page we break down the key concepts in AI and explain how these technologies help scientists make new discoveries.

Methods and Technology

Science in society

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
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
Picture of someone holding a small animal in the palm of their hand.

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