What does the term 'genome' refer to?

The term 'genome' refers to an organism's complete set of DNA, which includes all of its genes as well as the non-coding sequences of the DNA. This comprehensive collection of genetic material encodes the instructions necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of the organism. By understanding the genome, scientists can study genetic traits, inheritances, and even identify genetic diseases.

In contrast, a single gene refers to just a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or function within the organism, which does not capture the entirety of the genetic information. The physical appearance of an organism, known as its phenotype, is influenced by the genome but does not represent it. Lastly, the process of evolution pertains to the changes in the genetic makeup of populations over time, rather than the individual genetic content of a single organism.