What does transcriptomics study?

Transcriptomics is a branch of molecular biology that focuses on the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific circumstances or in a specific cell type. This field encompasses the analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and other non-coding RNA molecules. By studying the RNA profiles of cells, scientists can gain insights into gene expression patterns, cellular responses to various stimuli, and the overall functional activity of a cell at a given time.

In this context, the study of the entire set of RNA molecules allows researchers to understand how genes are expressed and regulated, which is fundamental for exploring aspects such as development, disease progression, and responses to environmental changes. This detailed analysis aids in understanding complex biological processes and can lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets or biomarkers.

The other choices focus on different areas of genetics and molecular biology that do not align with the definition of transcriptomics. The physical structure of DNA relates to genomics and molecular genetics, genetic sequencing emphasizes the determination of the nucleotide order within genomes, and manipulation of genes pertains to genetic engineering or biotechnology techniques, all of which are distinct from the study of RNA and gene expression central to transcriptomics.