What term refers to the complete set of an organism's genetic material?

Prepare for the HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

The term that refers to the complete set of an organism's genetic material is the genome. The genome encompasses all the DNA within an organism, including both the genes that are expressed and the non-coding sequences that may play roles in regulation and structural functions. It is essentially the blueprint of an organism's biological information, determining everything from physical traits to susceptibility to diseases.

Understanding the other terms helps to clarify why genome is the correct choice. For instance, the phenome refers to all observable characteristics of an organism, which are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Chromosomes are the structures within cells that contain DNA, but they do not represent the entirety of an organism's genetic material outside of the context of specific cellular organization. The genotype denotes the specific alleles an organism carries at particular gene loci, which is a more focused aspect of the genome rather than the full set of genetic information. Hence, genome is the most comprehensive term for the total genetic blueprint of an organism.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy