Genomics vs. Proteomics: 10 Major Differences

Difference Between Genomics and Proteomics

What are Genomics and Proteomics?

Genomics and proteomics are closely-related fields. The main difference between genomics and proteomics is that genomics is the study of the entire set of genes in the genome of a cell whereas proteomics is the study of the entire set of proteins produced by the cell.

10 Key Differences (Genomics vs. Proteomics)

S.N.CharacterGenomicsProteomics
1.DefinitionGenomics is the study of genomes which refers to the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.Proteomics is the branch of molecular biology that studies the set of proteins expressed by the genome of an organism.
2.Study ofGenomics is the study of the genes in an organism.Proteomics is the study of all the proteins in a cell.
3.Unit under StudyThe study of the function of genomesThe study of the function of proteomes
4.Nature of Study MaterialThe genome is constant. Every cell of an organism has the same set of genes.The proteome is dynamic and varies. The set of proteins produced in different tissues varies according to the gene expression.
5.Use of High throughput techniquesHigh throughput techniques are used in the genomics to map, sequence, and analyze genomes.In proteomics, characterization of the 3D structure and the function of proteins is carried out by the use of high throughput methods.
6.Techniques involvedThe techniques involved in genomics include gene sequencing strategies such as directed gene sequencing, whole-genome shotgun sequencing, construction of expressed sequence tags (ESTs), identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and the analysis and interpretation of sequenced data using different software and databases.Techniques involved in proteomics include extraction and electrophoretic separation of proteins, digestion of proteins with the use of trypsin into small fragments, determination of the amino acid sequence by mass spectrometry, and identification of proteins using the information in the protein databases. Moreover, the 3D structure of the protein can be predicted using software-based methods. The expression of proteins can be studied by protein microarrays. Protein-network maps can be developed to determine protein-protein interactions. 
7.TypesThe two types of genomics are structural genomics and functional genomics.The three types of proteomics are structural, functional, and expression proteomics.
8.Important AreasGenome sequencing projects such as the Human Genome Project are the important areas of genomics.Proteome database developments such as SWISS-2DPAGE and software development for computer-aided drug design are the important areas of proteomics.
9.  ImportanceGenomic studies are important to understand the structure, function, location, regulation of the genes of an organism.The study of the entire set of proteins produced by a cell type is done in order to understand its structure and function.
10. SignificanceGenes in the nucleus may not accurately portray conditions in the cell due to regulation at the RNA and protein level that can not be viewed in Genomics studies.Proteomics studies are more beneficial because proteins are the functional molecules in cells and represent actual conditions.

References

  1. Xiong J. (2006). Essential Bioinformatics. Texas A & M University. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Arthur M Lesk (2014). Introduction to bioinformatics. Oxford University Press. Oxford, United Kingdom
  3. http://www.dbriers.com/tutorials/2012/08/what-is-the-difference-between-genomics-vs-proteomics/
  4. http://jcb.rupress.org/content/216/1/21
  5. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Genomics_and_Proteomics
  6. http://pediaa.com/difference-between-genomics-and-proteomics/
  7. https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/10-3-genomics-and-proteomics/
  8. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/genomics-and-proteomics/
  9. https://www.scienceprofonline.com/genetics/difference-genome-proteome-metabolome.html
  10. https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-genomics-and-vs-proteomics/
  11. Snyder M. (2008). Introduction. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 80(4), 143–144.
  12. http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/15/default.asp

About Author

Sagar Aryal

Sagar Aryal is a microbiologist and a scientific blogger. He attended St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal, to complete his Master of Science in Microbiology. He worked as a Lecturer at St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal, from Feb 2015 to June 2019. After teaching microbiology for more than four years, he joined the Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, to pursue his Ph.D. in collaboration with Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarbrucken, Germany. He is interested in research on actinobacteria, myxobacteria, and natural products. He has published more than 15 research articles and book chapters in international journals and well-renowned publishers.

3 thoughts on “Genomics vs. Proteomics: 10 Major Differences”

  1. The contents were clearly explained and understandable. The information given by the author is achieving the objectives.

    Reply
  2. So my background is biology. Did an undergrad microsatellite marker genetics project. Took a few years off. Became a clinical chem lab tech and got significant experience with the mass spec. I was drug testing urine. Wasn’t cutting edge research by any means. But I got my feet wet (not literally).

    I’m in a grad (cert) program right now taking classes in biostatistics/bioinformatics/machine learning/and clinical research. Professors are very gun ho about NGS.

    I don’t know which path to go down! Learn more about NGS? or Dive back into mass spec, pivotting towards proteomics! I have a long career ahead of me and want to make that cheddar!

    Reply

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