What is functional genomics? How does it differ from comparative genomics?

Key Concepts

Functional Genomics

Functional genomics is a field of molecular biology that focuses on understanding the function of genes and their products. It employs various techniques, such as gene expression profiling and knockout studies, to analyze how genes interact and contribute to biological processes. This approach helps in elucidating the roles of specific genes in health and disease.

Comparative Genomics

Comparative genomics involves comparing the genomic features of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships and functional similarities. By analyzing the similarities and differences in gene sequences, structures, and functions, researchers can infer the evolutionary history and identify conserved genes that may play critical roles across species.

Differences Between Functional and Comparative Genomics

The primary difference between functional and comparative genomics lies in their focus: functional genomics aims to determine the roles of genes within a single organism, while comparative genomics seeks to understand the evolutionary relationships and functional conservation across multiple organisms. This distinction highlights the different methodologies and objectives inherent in each field.