What term describes all of an organism’s genetic material?

Prepare for the Medical Terminology Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes all of an organism’s genetic material is "genome." The genome encompasses all the DNA sequences found in an organism, including both the coding sequences (genes) that direct the synthesis of proteins and non-coding sequences that serve various regulatory and structural roles. Essentially, the genome represents the complete set of genetic blueprints that determine the biological characteristics and functions of an organism.

Other terms listed have specific meanings that do not cover the entirety of an organism's genetic makeup. For example, chromatids refer to the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, and they are just part of the process of cell division rather than representing the whole genetic material. A replicon is a portion of DNA that replicates independently of the rest of the genome, concerning processes of replication rather than the complete genetic material. Alleles, on the other hand, are variations of a gene found at a specific locus on a chromosome, addressing a single gene rather than all genetic material. Together, these distinctions clarify why "genome" is the appropriate term for all of an organism’s genetic material.

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