The field of genomics is best described as what?

The field of genomics is best described as the study of an organism's complete genome, which encompasses all of its genetic material, including genes and non-coding sequences. This discipline involves analyzing the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes. By studying an entire genome, researchers can gain insights into how genes are organized and regulated, identify genetic variations, understand the genetic basis of diseases, and explore evolutionary relationships among different species.

This comprehensive approach distinguishes genomics from other related fields. For example, while the study of RNA sequences focuses specifically on gene expression and the roles of RNA, it does not encompass the entire genome. Similarly, investigations into protein interactions and metabolic pathways are important aspects of cellular biology but do not cover the breadth of genomic analysis, which includes DNA itself, as opposed to just the products of gene expression or the biochemical processes cells engage in.