What is the Difference Between Genome and Exome?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between genome and exome lies in the scope of the sequencing process. Here are the key differences:
- Genome Sequencing: This method provides coverage across the entire genome, including both coding (exons) and non-coding (introns) regions. Genome sequencing determines the order of nucleotides in the entire genome, looking for genetic aberrations such as single nucleotide variants, deletions, insertions, and copy number variants.
- Exome Sequencing: This is a capture-based method that targets and sequences only the coding regions of the genome, referred to as "the exome". Exome sequencing focuses on the protein-coding regions, which are collectively known as the exome and make up approximately 2% of the whole genome. Most known disease-related variants are found in the exons, so exome sequencing is considered an efficient method to identify possible disease-causing mutations.
In summary, genome sequencing covers the entire genome, including both coding and non-coding regions, while exome sequencing focuses on the protein-coding regions of the genome. Exome sequencing is a more cost-effective and accessible option when whole-genome sequencing is not needed.
Comparative Table: Genome vs Exome
Here is a table comparing the differences between genome and exome:
Feature | Genome | Exome |
---|---|---|
Definition | The complete set of genetic material present in an organism. | The specific coding regions within the genome. |
Composition | Includes both coding and non-coding regions, as well as mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA (in plants). | Comprises only the coding regions (exons) within the genome. |
Proportion of the genome | The entire genome, which includes 1-2% exome. | Approximately 1-2% of the entire organism's genome. |
Sequencing methods | Whole genome sequencing (WGS). | Whole exome sequencing (WES). |
Advantages | Provides a comprehensive view of the entire genetic makeup of an organism, including both coding and non-coding regions. | Focused on the coding regions, which are responsible for most known disease-related variants. Inexpensive and quicker process compared to WGS, generating smaller data sets. |
Limitations | Sequencing the entire genome can be more costly and time-consuming compared to WES. | Falls short when there are anomalies in non-coding sequences, as WES does not sequence these regions. |
In summary, a genome represents the entire genetic composition of an organism, including both coding and non-coding regions, while an exome comprises only the coding regions within the genome. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is used to sequence the entire genome, while whole exome sequencing (WES) is used to sequence the exomes. WES is a more cost-effective and faster alternative to WGS, but it may not provide the same level of comprehensive information as WGS.
- Exome vs Transcriptome
- Whole Genome Sequencing vs Exome Sequencing
- Gene vs Genome
- Exome vs RNA Sequencing
- Genetics vs Genomics
- Introns vs Exons
- Genome vs Gene Pool
- Genetic Engineering vs Genome Editing
- Genomics vs Proteomics
- Gene vs DNA
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Genome
- Genetics vs Epigenetics
- ORF vs Exon
- Genotyping vs Sequencing
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Genomic vs Plasmid DNA
- Gene Mapping vs Gene Sequencing
- Gene vs Allele