The study of the entire genome is called?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Genomics is the comprehensive study of an organism's entire genome, which includes the complete set of DNA, all genes, and their complex interactions.
This field goes beyond single genes to analyze the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes in their entirety.
The Human Genome Project, which mapped all human genes, was a foundational achievement in the field of genomics.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Genetics is a narrower field that focuses on the study of individual genes, heredity, and how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Option C: Genetic polymorphism is not a field of study but a term describing a common variation in the DNA sequence within a population, such as different blood types or eye colors.
Option D: The genetic code refers to the specific rules by which the sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA is translated into the sequence of amino acids in a protein. It is a fundamental concept within genetics and genomics, but not the study of the entire genome.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Genomics and Genetics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding genomics is vital for modern nursing, particularly in the area of pharmacogenomics, which helps in tailoring drug therapy to an individual's genetic makeup to improve safety and efficacy.
Nurses may be involved in collecting samples for genetic testing, educating patients about genomic tests, and monitoring for drug responses or side effects based on a patient's known genetic profile.
What if a patient on clopidogrel has a genetic variant making them a 'poor metabolizer'? The nurse must be vigilant for signs of treatment failure, such as symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, as the drug may not be effectively activated in their body.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'study of the entire genome'.
Recall the definitions of the terms provided in the options.
Differentiate between 'genetics' (study of individual genes/heredity) and 'genomics' (study of the whole genome).
Recognize that 'genetic polymorphism' and 'genetic code' are specific concepts within the broader fields, not the names of the fields themselves.
Select 'Genomics' as the term that specifically refers to the study of the entire genome.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Genomics and Genetics
Stem keywords: study, entire genome
Lead-in keywords: is called

Question ID

QKLFihWl90eqMsrmLeaXdg

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 884-886

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 4-12

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