Whole genome sequencing determines complete DNA information and supports gene discovery, evolutionary comparison, conservation, medicine, pathogen research, and biotechnology applications.
Coverage 2017–2017 · Updated 15 Jul 2026
Genome size is the total amount of DNA in one haploid chromosome set. It can be compared across taxonomic groups, but a larger genome does not necessarily indicate a more complex organism.
Non-coding repeated DNA and polyploidy can increase genome size without adding a proportional number of functional genes. Database comparisons must therefore use consistent units and distinguish haploid from diploid measurements.
The Human Genome Project helped establish large-scale whole-genome sequencing. As sequencing has become faster and less expensive, current uses include studying evolutionary relationships and identifying genes or variants; a potential expanding use is personalized medicine.
A researcher can compare homologous genome sequences from several species, measure their sequence differences and use the pattern as evidence for closer or more distant evolutionary relationships.
A genome sequence provides data, not a diagnosis or treatment by itself. An interpretation must connect a validated genetic difference to evidence about function, ancestry or health.
This objective is assessed through essay response, commonly using Suggest / Describe / Discuss.
Suggest / Describe / Discuss
Build the answer around this relationship: Whole genome sequencing produces complete DNA sequence information for an organism.
Representative question
Discuss the current and potential future uses of whole genome sequencing.
For SL, A3.1 is really one evidence map. Variation explains why individuals differ. Morphology and binomial nomenclature help group and name organisms. The biological species concept uses interbreeding and fertile offspring, but boundaries can be difficult during gradual speciation. Chromosomes and karyograms add cellular evidence. Genomes, SNPs, genome size, and whole genome sequencing add molecular evidence. The skill is choosing the right evidence for the question.
