How do structural genomics and functional genomics differ?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Diagram of a DNA double helix showing its twisted ladder structure, with a close-up of the sugar-phosphate backbone, paired nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine), and labeled nucleotides and hydrogen bonds. — human genome The human genome is made up of approximately three billion base pairs of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The bases of DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).

Structural genomics and functional genomics are two distinct subdivisions of genomics that approach the study of the human genome from different perspectives.1

Structural Genomics

Structural genomics focuses on determining the complete nucleotide sequence of a genome. Using automated sequencing and computational assembly, it maps the entire sequence of every chromosome. The primary goal is to identify the positions of open reading frames (ORFs), which are prospective genes, and to assign potential functions by comparing these sequences to known genes in other organisms.1

Functional Genomics

Functional genomics seeks to understand the biological roles of these genes at a broad, genomic level. Rather than just mapping sequences, it assesses how genes function within the organism. This includes:
* Proteomics: Attempting to identify the full set of proteins encoded by the genome to define cellular functions.1
* Transcriptomics: Using microarrays to identify the set of mRNA transcripts present at specific developmental stages or in specific tissues.1

In short, structural genomics provides the "map" of the genetic code, while functional genomics investigates how that code is expressed and utilized by the body.1