What encompasses the whole of the genetic information of an organism or cell?

Prepare for the IB Diploma Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The term that encompasses the whole of the genetic information of an organism or cell is the genome. In biological terms, a genome refers to the complete set of DNA, including all of its genes, in an organism. This includes both the coding regions, which contain genes that are expressed, and the non-coding regions, which may play roles in regulation and other processes.

In contrast, the genotype refers specifically to the genetic constitution of an individual organism, representing the alleles that an individual possesses for particular genes. This is a subset of the genome and focuses on the traits that can be inherited.

Genus is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of organisms, grouping species that are closely related, but it does not relate to the genetic information itself.

Gene expression involves the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, often proteins. While gene expression is important for understanding how genetic information is utilized, it does not represent the totality of the genetic information inherent in the genome.

Therefore, the genome is the most comprehensive term that encapsulates all of the genetic information present within an organism or its cells.

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