pangénome

The pangénome refers to the complete set of genes found within a species. It encompasses all the genetic variants present across all individuals of that species, including genes that are present in some individuals but absent in others. This concept emerged from the observation that a single individual's genome, while representative of their species, does not contain every single gene that might exist within the population.

The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has made the study of pangénomes feasible. By sequencing multiple individuals, researchers can identify genes that are unique to certain populations or even specific individuals. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a species' genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.

Analyzing a pangénome can reveal important insights into adaptation, disease resistance, and the overall genetic makeup of a species. It helps explain phenotypic variation within a population and can contribute to fields like conservation biology, where understanding genetic diversity is crucial for species survival. The pangénome concept challenges the traditional notion of a single reference genome as being fully representative of a species.