What are the structural, functional and comparative genomics?
Structural genomics refers to the physical nature of the whole genome and includes the study of structural organisation of DNA region in chromosome and nucleosome status. For those interested in protein structure, it refers to the 3D structure of every protein encoded by a particular genome.
Functional genomics aims to understand how the physiological function information encoded in genome is executed. It uses genomics-based tools like RNAseq, ChipSeq, and Metagenomics to understand physiological and pathological function associated with the state of a cell.
Comparative genomics deals with comparison of genes and genomes of multiple species or within individuals of the same species. It helps in genome annotation of newly sequenced genomes and identifies common genes forming the core genome and genes unique to a species, serving as a starting point for genome-based taxonomy and phylogenetic lineage study.
Explanation
This 3-mark answer covers all three types of genomics as defined in the NCERT textbook. Structural genomics has two perspectives - chromosome organisation and protein structure. Functional genomics focuses on how genome-encoded information is executed using tools like RNAseq and ChipSeq. Comparative genomics involves comparing genomes across species or individuals, helping in annotation and identifying core/unique genes. The answer uses bold for key terms and is organised in three clear paragraphs as required for SA questions.