Final answer:
A genome is the entire DNA content in an organism's cells, and pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genotype affects their response to drugs. This field allows for personalized medicine, which can improve treatment efficacy and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
A genome is the sum of all a person's DNA and can be used to study the effects of a drug on the person. The study of how genetic variation affects individual responses to therapeutic drugs is known as pharmacogenomics. By analyzing an individual's genomic sequence, personalized medicine can be administered, prescribing medications that will be most effective and least toxic based on the individual's genotype.
Knowing the human DNA sequence facilitates identification of mutations linked to diseases and enables the development of treatment approaches tailored to specific genetic profiles. This personalized approach is especially beneficial in conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, liver diseases, and Alzheimer's disease.
The genotype refers to the complete genetic makeup stored within the 23 pairs of chromosomes in each body cell, and it dictates an individual's phenotype—the expression of physical, behavioral, or biochemical characteristics. Thus, pharmacogenomics plays a critical role in understanding disease susceptibility, drug efficacy, and potential side effects, leading to improved patient outcomes.