The science includes identifying the specific building blocks of all the genes in a cell, mapping their locations in relation to the rest of the DNA, and studying the function of those genes or combinations of genes. Proteomics is the study of the composition, structure, function and interactions of all the proteins in a cell. Genomic information is too voluminous for even a large team of researchers to remember or analyze, so the information is placed in complex databases in which the gene and protein structures and functions can be easily accessed, cross-referenced or queried. Bioinformatics is defined as the large-scale storage, retrieval and assessment of data from biological studies. This field draws on high-performance computing, software and information technology.
Applications are vast.
Researchers can focus on treating the cause of disease, rather than alleviating the symptoms. Through pharmacogenomics , existing medications can be tailored to an individual based on his or her body's ability to respond to the treatment, as determined by individual genetic makeup. The time to discover and develop drugs, now typically seven to 10 years, could be cut in half, possibly reducing the cost of drugs paid by consumers. Medicine is not the only application. Genomics can lead to the development of hardier crop plants to benefit farmers, more nutritious foods to fight hunger and malnutrition, and plants and natural systems to clean up toxic waste, oil spills or polluted air.