These instructions are broken into distinct pieces called genes, which code for specific things, and this entire collection of an organism’s genes is called the genome. The human genome has between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, all with different variants, called alleles, which give way to the complexity and variety of traits we see around us. Usually, the different traits that make us unique, like our eye color and height, for example, are controlled by multiple genes. But some traits can be altered by a change in a single gene, such as whether someone has cystic fibrosis, the overproduction of mucus in the lungs.

So how do the instructions of genes lead to physical results, such as the way we look? Typically, genes are just instructions for how to create proteins, which are the building blocks of everything in living organisms, from tissues and organs, to hormones and chemical signals in the body. Copies of the DNA are created by mRNA, or messenger RNA, which carries this information to ribosomes in the cell. Ribosomes are then able to string together amino acids using the mRNA’s instructions to make the appropriate protein.

Looking for a quick introduction? Check out this video to get acquainted with genomics. Presentation at the World of Genomics, Field Museum, 2016. / Mirhee Lee

Genomics affects every aspect of our lives, meaning the benefits of studying genomics span multiple areas in science. Many ailments in humans and animals are related in some way to our genomes. Gaining a deeper understanding of our genomes can help us better detect and prevent diseases like cancer or diabetes, create more effective and personalized treatments to tackle those diseases, and discover new drug treatments through synthetically engineered microbes, which can be designed to produce unique, natural biomaterials.

We can also genetically engineer plants to improve their survival in a warming world, efficiently producing more food to feed a growing population. Engineered plants and products from engineered microbes can then be used to produce greener fuels to help power the world.

Studying the genomics of organisms can also tell us about their evolution, the influence of their environment on their genome, and ultimately how to best conserve them. Genomics can tell us a lot about ourselves as well, giving us a window into how our genes and environment interact to shape many aspects of our lives. Genomic research is a rich and compelling field, full of potential opportunity not only within the field of biology, but for society at large.