ABSTRACT

Genetic diversity and novel function are achieved in nature through incremental modifications. The contribution of comparative genomics to understanding the fundamental principles underlying the processes and consequences of evolutionary changes is considerable and steadfastly growing. The availability of multiple genome sequence databases and computational methods for analyzing the information has proven essential to our well-being. From fostering our understanding of infectious diseases, thus helping scientists create better drugs, vaccines, and effective methods for controlling pathogens, to identifying genes linked to specific human disorders, which has led to the identification and development of better diagnostic tools and drug therapies, comparative genomics’ contribution to human health is indispensable. From a purely basic science perspective, comparative genomics has furthered our understanding of regulatory and metabolic pathways and has resulted in inferences about function. Moreover, with an ever-increasing worldwide human population,

agricultural genomics offers the promise of feeding the hungry through improved crops’ resistance to pestilence or animal disease. Although still in its infancy, comparative genomics has already had an inestimable impact on the advancement of science and the betterment of life.