The term "structural genomics" refers to the study of the three-dimensional structures of all proteins encoded by a given genome. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelt as /strʌktjərəl dʒɛnɒmɪks/. This word is made up of the two words "structural" and "genomics" and takes on the pronunciation of both words combined. The stress falls on the first syllable of "structural" and the second syllable of "genomics". This spelling allows for clear communication and better understanding of the subject matter.
Structural genomics, in the field of molecular biology and genetics, refers to the collective set of techniques and approaches aimed at determining the three-dimensional structures of all proteins encoded by a genome. It involves the systematic study and prediction of protein structures on a genome-wide scale. The main objective of structural genomics is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure-function relationship of proteins, which is crucial for uncovering their roles in various biological processes and diseases.
This field heavily relies on high-throughput methods, including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational modeling, to determine protein structures efficiently and rapidly. These techniques allow researchers to obtain detailed information about the atomic arrangement and overall architecture of proteins, aiding in the identification of potential drug targets and the design of novel therapeutic interventions.
Structural genomics is often conducted as a collaborative effort involving interdisciplinary teams of scientists from various fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. The wealth of structural data generated through this approach is typically made freely available to the scientific community through public databases, facilitating further research and advancements in protein structure determination.
Overall, structural genomics plays a vital role in bridging the gap between genomics and proteomics by providing a high-resolution view of the molecular machinery encoded within a genome. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the intricate workings of cellular processes and holds immense potential for improving human health through the development of innovative treatments and therapies.
The word "structural genomics" is a combination of two terms: "structural" and "genomics".
The term "structural" comes from the Latin word "structura", which means "construction, arrangement, or organization". It refers to the overall organization and arrangement of something, particularly in the field of biology, where it often implies the physical and molecular structure of a biological entity.
The term "genomics" is derived from the word "genome" and the suffix "-ics". "Genome" comes from the Greek words "genos" meaning "race" or "kind" and "nemein" meaning "to manage". It refers to the entire set of genetic material or DNA present in an organism. The suffix "-omics" is used to denote a field of study or a discipline of knowledge.