Genome
In a very broad sense of the word, genome describes an organism’s genetic composition. In diploid organisms, those that inherit a matching chromosome from each parent, the genome refers to the chromosomes in a gamete, a reproductive cell that fuses with another (such as with a male sperm and female egg). Haploid organisms, on the other hand, are those which only inherit unpaired chromosomes and include bacteria and viruses. In the human genome, however, there are 23 chromosome pairs. One of these pairs determines the sex of the unborn child, whilst the others are, therefore, autosomal chromosome pairs and convey other genetic material.
The human genome, which is haploid, contains up to 25,000 protein–coding genes, which are those that store genetic information, whilst other genes comprise RNA information and regulatory or sequencing details. The human genome can be mapped, which means that its significant landmarks can be identified, or sequenced, which means that every DNA base pair is fully marked out. The significance of understanding the human genome at this level is one that could, one day, prompt a revolution in the way that medical health care is provided. Indeed, sequencing the human genome cannot be achieved en mass because each individual genome is distinct, so it is not possible to use a human genome sequence for one individual for anybody else. However, if an individual's genome was fully sequenced, personalised medical care could be provided that is specifically designed to his or her unique DNA. The possibilities in this respect are virtually unlimited and, in addition to a number of normal medical complaints, specific genetic conditions could be more easily identified and treated.
