Explore genomics

DNA, genes, genomes, biodata - discover more about all things DNA on the pages below.

Introduction to genomics

Picture of a 3d illustration of conceptual human cells

What is a cell?

All living things are made of cells. They are the basic building blocks of life. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, all with their own specialised function.

In the Cell

What is DNA?

DNA is the long molecule that contains your unique genetic code. A bit like a recipe book, it holds the instructions your cells need to make all the proteins in your body.

In the Cell

What is a gene?

Genes are small sections of DNA that code for a functional product, like a protein.

In the Cell

Living things

Are humans still evolving?

For much of nature, natural selection and ‘survival of the fittest’ still play a dominant role; only the strongest can survive in the wild. As little as a few hundred years ago, the same was true for humans.

Living Things

4 students wearing labcoats looking excited during science experiment.

Barcoding for beginners

Information and resources for educators and students participating in the Barcoding for beginners project

Living Things

Evolution of modern humans

The origin of modern humans is probably one of the most debated issues in evolutionary biology.

Living Things

In the cell

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

In the Cell

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information.

In the Cell

Mitosis versus meiosis

Cells divide and reproduce in two ways, mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, whereas meiosis results in four sex cells. Below we highlight the key differences and similarities between the two types of cell division.

In the Cell

Methods and technology

What is DNA sequencing?

DNA sequencing is the process of working out the exact order of the four chemical building blocks – called bases – in a section of DNA.

Methods and Technology

A conceptual illustration of genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). In order to edit a genetic sequence, a Cas9 protein (purple) attaches to the DNA of a cell using a guide RNA (orange) that matches a target DNA sequence, and separates the double helix. A protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence on the cell's DNA (green) indicates where the Cas9 protein locks down and cuts the target DNA. Once the sequence has been cut, the DNA can be disabled or altered.

What is genome editing?

Genome editing is a way of making specific changes to a cell or organism’s DNA – such as adding, removing or altering the DNA sequence. This can be used to change the cell or organism’s characteristics.

Methods and Technology

The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was a large, international project that generated the first sequence of the human genome.

Methods and Technology

Science in society

Photo of a man presenting the front cover of Nature Magazine with the Human Genome Project on the front page.

Timeline: History of Genomics

Explore key events in genomics and genetics research alongside those in historical and popular culture.

Science in Society

Picture of a diverse group of people from all different backgrounds and walks of life.

Genome Generation Express

Explore, discuss and reflect on the social and ethical issues associated with genetic and genomic science.

Science in Society

Small Experimental Mouse Is On The Laboratory Researcher's Hand

Genomic conversations: animals in biomedical research

How do you feel about animals being used in biomedical research? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biomedical research - including some of the benefits and limitations and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Health and disease

Image showing DNA chromatogram graph. Different DNA bases are represented by different coloured peaks on the graph. Underneath the graph is the corresponding DNA base letters associated with the peaks of the graph.

What is a genetic condition?

A genetic condition is usually a medical condition or illness, caused by a change in a person’s DNA sequence.

Health and Disease

Picture of a scientist preparing covid samples for sequencing.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing looks for changes and variations in DNA that could put a person at higher risk of a genetic condition.

Health and Disease

Colourful 3D background of lots of different viruses such as Covid-19 and influenza.

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites and can spread between individuals.

Health and Disease

Genomic conversations

Genomic conversations: animals in biomedical research

Science in Society

Picture of someone holding a small animal in the palm of their hand.

Genomic conversations: animals in conservation and biodiversity research

How do you feel about the use of animals in biodiversity research – such as species conservation, biodiversity monitoring or evolutionary studies? In this conversation page, we’ll explore how animals are used in biodiversity research – including some of the benefits and risks and what the future may hold.

Science in Society

Picture of a male holding a genetic testing kit in his hands, on the desk below the rest of the kit is laid out.

Genomic conversations: direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Have you ever wanted to know more about your genetic make-up? In this conversation page, we’ll explore direct-to-consumer genetic testing – including some of the benefits and limitations of these tests and what the future may hold.

Science in Society