What does the term 'genome' refer to in bioscience?

The term 'genome' specifically refers to the complete set of genetic material present in an organism, which includes both the genes and the non-coding sequences of DNA. This encompasses all the hereditary information that can influence the development, functioning, and reproduction of the organism. The genome is crucial because it serves as a blueprint for the biological development and functioning of that organism.

In contrast, the other options are more limited in scope. For instance, focusing solely on proteins would only represent a portion of the genome’s functionality; proteins are products of genes that are expressed under specific conditions, but they do not encompass the entire genetic information. The collection of enzymes or metabolic pathways pertains to specific biochemical processes and functions but does not capture the full range of genetic material that constitutes the genome. Thus, defining the genome as the complete set of genetic material provides a comprehensive understanding of an organism's biological identity.