What is transcriptomics and how is it different from genomics?

Transcriptomics is the study of the transcriptome - the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by a genome at a specific time and condition. Unlike genomics, which studies the static DNA sequence, transcriptomics captures dynamic gene expression that varies by cell type, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. Key technologies include RNA-Seq and microarrays. Transcriptomics reveals which genes are active, their expression levels, alternative splicing variants, and non-coding RNAs. It is essential for understanding gene regulation, disease mechanisms, and cellular responses to treatments.