{"id":23136,"date":"2023-03-08T13:20:40","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T18:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/genomequebec.com\/?page_id=23136"},"modified":"2025-03-18T13:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T17:51:27","slug":"basic-concepts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/genomequebec.com\/en\/genomics\/understand-genomics\/basic-concepts\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Concepts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Genomics 101<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Genome: Word that comes from combining gene and chromosome.Each cell contains a copy of the genome. Using sophisticated technologies, scientists are capable of peering into the cells<\/a> of living beings. For instance, with just a few drops of blood, they can read the information encoded in cells to unveil the hidden secrets of DNA<\/a>. Genes<\/a>, which are tiny pieces of DNA, account for the specific traits of each individual, including eye colour, shape of the face or even the risk of developing certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. The full set of genes \u2013 ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 in each cell according to the latest estimates \u2013 is part of the human genome<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The genome: Life\u2019s assembly instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The genome is often compared to an instruction manual that contains the specific traits of individuals and their body\u2019s operating mode. The book is divided into 23 chapters for the 23 pairs of chromosomes<\/a> we inherit from our biological parents.
The genome of all living organisms, with the exception of certain viruses, is written in an alphabet of four letters that make up DNA. These letters spell words that form sentences, which correspond to genes.
In other words, the nucleus of each human cell contains 20,000 to 25,000 sentences and over 6 billion letters (3 billion pairs of bases A-T and C-G)!
Each cell reads the sentences (or genes) pertaining to it. A skin cell, for example, will consult information on skin colour and texture, but not instructions dealing with eyes or hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Genomics: Unlocking the secrets of the genome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While genetic researchers focus on the study of specific genes, genomic researchers work on deciphering an organism\u2019s entire genetic makeup \u2013 in other words, its genome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They analyze genes, but also the sections of DNA between the genes, about which there is very little known. It\u2019s almost like trying to make sense of words that are not combined into sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, genomics is the scientific discipline that studies how the entire genome of a human being, animal, plant or microbe functions in order to better understand and use certain properties of its DNA in different areas.
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The human genome unveiled<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2003, after 15 years of work, genomic researchers succeeded at reading the 6 billion letters of the human genome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We now know a great deal about the words and sentences contained in each cell of the human body, but a lot of work is still needed to understand the meaning of the text, the assembly instructions and the operating mode.
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Powerful computers to read DNA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To read and analyze the billions of letters and thousands of genes that make up the genome and compare differences among individuals and species requires the use of super powerful computers, software and algorithms (complex mathematical formulas). 

The discipline that focuses on interpreting the massive amount of data generated by genomics is called bioinformatics<\/a>. 
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The power of genomics at work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In human health, genomics is used to:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n