das Genom
genome
The complete set of genetic information of a living organism or a cell, encoded in DNA.
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler haben das gesamte Genom der Pflanze entschlüsselt.
The scientists decoded the plant's entire genome.
das Genom
genome
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Meanings
Usage tips
Technical language
'Genom' (genome) is a technical term from biology and genetics. In normal everyday life, this word is rarely used unless the topic is scientific.
EXAMPLE
Die Forschung am menschlichen Genom hat die Medizin revolutioniert.
Research on the human genome has revolutionized medicine.
Word family
The word 'Genom' (genome) is closely related to the word 'Gen' (gene). The ending '-om' is often used in biology for a totality, so the genome is the totality of all genes.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Gen im Genom hat eine bestimmte Funktion.
Every gene in the genome has a specific function.
Use with genitive
To specify whose or which genome is meant, the genitive is often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Analyse des Genoms des Neandertalers gab neue Einblicke in die menschliche Evolution.
The analysis of the Neanderthal's genome gave new insights into human evolution.
Typical verbs
Because it is a scientific term, 'Genom' (genome) is often combined with verbs from research, such as 'entschlüsseln' (to decode), 'sequenzieren' (to sequence), or 'analysieren' (to analyze).
EXAMPLE
Es ist Forschern gelungen, das Genom einer ausgestorbenen Tierart zu sequenzieren.
Researchers have succeeded in sequencing the genome of an extinct animal species.
Compare with
Genom vs Erbgut
genetic material
Both words refer to the complete genetic information of a living organism. “Erbgut” is also easily understood in general-language statements, while “Genom” is used mainly as a biological technical term for this complete information. In a scientific context, “Genom” is therefore more appropriate.
Genom
Die Forschenden untersuchten das Genom dieser Pflanze im Labor.
The researchers examined this plant’s genome in the laboratory.
Erbgut
Das Erbgut dieser Pflanze bestimmt viele ihrer vererbbaren Eigenschaften.
The genetic material of this plant determines many of its hereditary traits.
In real life
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