Comparative Genomics

Comparative genomics is a branch of molecular biology that studies the evolution of genetic and genomic information within and between organisms. It involves comparing the genome of one organism to another, or comparing a group of organisms, in order to gain deeper insight into the genetic and evolutionary history of both. Examples include the study of human and ape genomes, or microbial species to gain insight into the underlying processes that govern diversity and adaptation. Comparative genomics is a powerful tool for understanding the natural history of species and for making predictions about the impact of environmental change. This powerful tool has helped researchers better understand and develop treatments for many diseases, including cancer, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's disease.