Genomics

The genome of prokaryotes and eukaryotes contain thousands of genes. The genomes of various plants and animals are being investigated as the product of these genes can be of great use to mankind. The awareness of this information about the various genomes can help in identifying various diseases and the treatment of defective genes as well. The information can also throw light on the evolutionary process of the genes and the distribution of particular genes in the population.

There are different branches of this field now. Genomics can now be broadly divided into-

a) Structural Genomics
Definition - Structural genomics involves the construction of high- resolution genetic, physical, or transcript maps of the organism usually during the initial phase of genome analysis which results in the ultimate physical map of an organism with its complete genome sequencing. In recent years, due to the completion of the various genome-sequencing projects, the term structural genomics now also includes the high-throughput determination of three-dimensional structures of all proteins. Hence the structural genomics, establishes the relationship between the sequence and structure of a genome.

b) Functional Genomics
Functional Genomics deals with the reconstruction of the genome to determine the biological function of genes and gene interactions. The information provided by the structural genomics is used to design experiments to identify the function of the genes. The investigations range from studying the single genes or proteins to studying all genes or proteins at once in a systematic manner which also involves large scale experimental methodology with statistical and computational analysis of the results. Hence the functional genomics helps to co-relate the structure and sequence of the genome to its function.

Genome Resource Bank
Genome Resource Bank (GRB) is a frozen repository of biological materials, including sperm and embryos, tissue, blood products and DNA. It is a modern version of Noah’s arc where all biological material is being preserved for posterity. It is going to being used as a conservation tool for protecting and preserving biodiversity. Efforts are on to develop new cryopreservation technologies that would be valuable to preserve endangered species in biology (for fish to elephants) and can be used in breeding and genetic management whenever need arises.

Genome Resource bank is very important as it serves as an insurance of keeping the biological material safe. It increases the efficiency of captive breeding and at the same time minimizing the number of animals maintained in captivity. It serve as a convenient source for blood, tissue and DNA for analyzing genetic diversity, paternity and disease exposure, etc.