Glossary

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Transcriptome

The complete set of transcribed genetic information (RNA) contained in a cell

Only the active genes in a cell produce copies of RNA (transcripts), which are either translated into amino acid chains (proteins) or perform specific functions as RNA sequences (transport, structure, regulation).

The complete set of genes in an organism represents a vast amount of information. Comparatively few genes are continually required to maintain the basic functions of a living cell (called housekeeping genes). Most genes have quite specific functions. Their activity is regulated, in other words they are switched on or off as required.

The term transcriptome is used to describe the complete set of RNA molecules produced by a cell or tissue during a specific developmental stage, as products of gene sequences which have been „switched on“ or activated. For example, human liver and kidney cells have the same genome, but different transcriptomes (also known as RNA profiles).