Which option best describes the genome?

Which option best describes the genome?

• A. The entire set of genes in an organism
• B. A single gene
• C. The mitochondrial DNA only
• D. The protein-coding subset

Answer: (A)

The genome is the complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all genes and the noncoding regions that regulate them. Among the options, describing the genome as the entire set of genes in an organism is the best fit because it emphasizes the full scope of inherited information. A single gene is only a tiny piece of that information, mitochondrial DNA represents a specific, separate portion within cells, and the protein-coding subset covers only the genes that code for proteins, omitting regulatory and noncoding elements that are also part of the genetic material.

The genome is the complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all genes and the noncoding regions that regulate them. Among the options, describing the genome as the entire set of genes in an organism is the best fit because it emphasizes the full scope of inherited information. A single gene is only a tiny piece of that information, mitochondrial DNA represents a specific, separate portion within cells, and the protein-coding subset covers only the genes that code for proteins, omitting regulatory and noncoding elements that are also part of the genetic material.