Phenomics
Material studied: Phenotype
Methods used: Every one of them!
Even with the huge volume of genomic information now available, the genetic basis of complex traits, such as intelligence, remains unclear. To address this, phenomics uses high-throughput approaches to measure an organism’s full set of phenotypes—or observable traits—and link them to genetic information.
Many types of phenotypic data can be collected. Besides the use of ‘omics approaches to gather RNA, protein and metabolite profiles, high-throughput imaging techniques can be used to study development, physiology and even behavior.
This article was first published in the print version of Asian Scientist Magazine, July 2016.
———
Photos: Shutterstock & Flickr.
To read more, subscribe to Asian Scientist Magazine in print and receive two issues of Asian Scientist Magazine delivered directly to your mailing address for 12 months, inclusive of taxes and postage.
