Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated asgDNA^[1]) is chromosomalDNA, in contrast to extra-chromosomal DNAs likeplasmids. Most organisms have the same genomic DNA in every cell; however, only certain genes areactive in each cell to allow for cell function anddifferentiation within the body.^[2] gDNA predominantly resides in the cell nucleus packed into dense chromosome structures. Chromatin refers to the combination of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes. When a cell is not dividing, chromosomes exist as loosely packed chromatin mesh.^[3]

Thegenome of an organism (encoded by the genomic DNA) is the (biological) information of heredity which is passed from one generation of organism to the next. That genome istranscribed to produce variousRNAs, which are necessary for the function of the organism.Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) is transcribed byRNA polymerase II in thenucleus. pre-mRNA is then processed bysplicing to removeintrons, leaving theexons in the mature messenger RNA (mRNA). Additional processing includes the addition of a5' cap and apoly(A) tail to the pre-mRNA. The mature mRNA may then be transported to thecytosol and translated by theribosome into aprotein. Other types of RNA includeribosomal RNA (rRNA) andtransfer RNA (tRNA). These types are transcribed byRNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase III, respectively, and are essential forprotein synthesis. However 5s rRNA is the only rRNA which is transcribed by RNA Polymerase III.^[4]

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