What term refers to the complete set of DNA in an organism?

What term refers to the complete set of DNA in an organism?

• A. Gene
• B. Genome
• C. Phenotype
• D. Allele

Answer: (B)

This item tests understanding of what encompasses all of an organism’s genetic material. The complete set of DNA in an organism is its genome. The genome includes every gene and all the noncoding regions that regulate when and how those genes are turned on, as well as any DNA in organelles like mitochondria that is part of the organism’s genetic material. A gene is a specific sequence that can code for a protein or RNA and act as a unit of heredity within the genome. An allele is a variant form of a gene, representing differences in the DNA sequence that can lead to different traits. The phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the expression of genes, often influenced by the environment. So, the term for the complete set of DNA is the genome.

This item tests understanding of what encompasses all of an organism’s genetic material. The complete set of DNA in an organism is its genome. The genome includes every gene and all the noncoding regions that regulate when and how those genes are turned on, as well as any DNA in organelles like mitochondria that is part of the organism’s genetic material.

A gene is a specific sequence that can code for a protein or RNA and act as a unit of heredity within the genome. An allele is a variant form of a gene, representing differences in the DNA sequence that can lead to different traits. The phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the expression of genes, often influenced by the environment.

So, the term for the complete set of DNA is the genome.