Final answer:
The entire set of RNAs produced by a cell is called its transcriptome. The study of the transcriptome, known as transcriptomics, allows scientists to explore gene expression patterns and their response to various factors. This is different from the proteome, which is the set of proteins a cell produces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The entire set of RNAs produced by a cell is called its transcriptome. So, the correct answer to the given question would be 'a) Transcriptome'. The transcriptome includes all types of RNA present, such as mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, and other non-coding RNAs. This vast collection of RNA molecules is critical for understanding the cellular functions because it reflects the genes that are actively expressed at any given time.
Studying the transcriptome, through the science called transcriptomics, enables scientists to observe the expression patterns of genes and assess how different conditions or treatments might alter those patterns. Unlike the genome, which is static and remains unchanged, the transcriptome can vary vastly depending on a multitude of factors, including the type of tissue, developmental stage, environmental conditions, and disease state.
This dynamic nature of the transcriptome is important for understanding complex biological processes and for identifying potential targets for therapeutic intervention. It contrasts with the proteome, which refers to the complete set of proteins produced by a cell type, a concept that is tied to the study of proteomics.