What does genome sequencing involve?

Genome sequencing involves determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. This process includes identifying the order of nucleotides—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine—across an entire genome, which is crucial for understanding the genetic blueprint that dictates the biological characteristics of an organism.

By sequencing a genome, researchers can reveal the information encoded within DNA, which can lead to insights into heredity, DNA variations, genetic diseases, and evolutionary relationships among species. Genome sequencing plays a significant role in areas such as personalized medicine, where knowing a patient's genome can help tailor treatments to their specific genetic makeup, and in agricultural biotechnology, where understanding plant genomes can enhance crop breeding efforts.

The other options mentioned do not directly describe genome sequencing; rather, they refer to separate processes in molecular biology and biotechnology. For instance, breaking down RNA molecules into usable proteins pertains to translation, cloning involves creating identical copies of organisms, and analyzing protein structures relates to proteomics, all of which are integral to biochemical research but distinct from the definition and purpose of genome sequencing.