Genome

noun

/ˈdʒiː.nəʊm/

The complete set of genetic material (DNA or, in some viruses, RNA) present in a cell or organism, containing all the information needed for that organism's development and function.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

As India advances its precision-medicine ambitions, the mapping of the national genome database raises pressing questions of consent, data sovereignty and equitable access that demand a robust regulatory framework.

Synonyms

genetic make-uphereditary blueprintgene complementgenetic codechromosome set

🌱 Word Family

genomic (adj), genomics (n), genome-wide (adj), genomicist (n)

🔡 Root

Coined/Modern: blend of German Gen = gene + Chromosom = chromosome; coined by Hans Winkler (1920)

📜 Etymology

Coined by German botanist Hans Winkler in 1920, as a blend of German Gen ("gene") and Chromosom ("chromosome").

🧠 Memory Hook

GENE + chromosOME = GENOME: the entire "home" of all an organism's genes, gathered under one roof.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2017 — Genetics

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Genome” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🔬 Science & Technology 📖 Seen in: Biotechnology — GM Crops, CRISPR, Regu...

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