What does the term "proteome" specifically refer to?

The term "proteome" specifically refers to the collection of all proteins that are encoded by an organism's genome. This encompasses not just the number of proteins, but also their expression levels, modifications, interactions, and functions within the organism. The proteome can vary significantly between different cell types, developmental stages, and environmental conditions, reflecting the dynamic nature of protein expression and regulation.

Understanding the proteome is critical for fields like proteomics, which studies the functional and structural properties of proteins, providing insights into cellular processes and how they are influenced by various factors. The definition emphasizes the complexity and variability associated with protein expression and function in biological systems.