 Reference genome

An assembled genome used as a coordinate system for mapping sequence measurements and comparing genetic variants. A reference is a chosen representation rather than all variation within a species.

A reference genome is a digital DNA sequence that represents the typical genome of a species, serving as a standard against which individual genomes can be compared. It is an assembled sequence that contains the complete set of genes and genomic regions, providing a framework for researchers to analyze genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and structural variations.