Biology Regents 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

An organism's complete set of DNA is referred to as its genome. The genome encompasses all the genetic information contained within an organism's chromosomes, which are structures made up of DNA and associated proteins. This includes the sequences that code for genes, as well as non-coding DNA. Understanding the genome is crucial for studying genetics and biology because it provides the blueprint for an organism's development, functioning, and inheritance.

In contrast, chromosomes specifically refer to the tightly packed structures of DNA found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The term phenotype describes the observable characteristics of an organism, influenced by both its genotype (the genetic makeup) and environmental factors. An allele is a variant form of a gene located at a specific position on a chromosome, responsible for specific traits, but does not represent the entire set of genetic material. Thus, the genome is the most comprehensive term among the options for denoting the complete genetic information of an organism.