transcriptome

views updated

transcriptome The full complement of RNA transcripts of the genes of a cell or organism. The types and relative abundance of different transcripts, i.e. the messenger RNAs (mRNAs), can be obtained by analysing cell contents using complementary DNA probes, particularly in the form of DNA microarrays. Such an analysis provides a ‘snapshot’ of the expression pattern of the cell's genes. See transcriptomics.

About this article

transcriptome

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article