Core definition: In modern genomics and systems biology, what does the term “proteomics” specifically refer to?

Introduction / Context:
As sequencing technologies matured, biology moved from gene-by-gene analysis to global “-omics.” Proteomics complements genomics and transcriptomics by focusing on proteins—the direct effectors of cellular function. This question asks for the precise definition of proteomics used in biomedical and microbiological research.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term must describe scope (organism-wide) and subject (proteins).
• Answers include distractors about genomes, physics, and lipoprotein formation.
• We select the most domain-accurate phrasing.

Concept / Approach:

Proteomics investigates protein identities, abundances, modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), interactions, and localization under different conditions. It typically uses mass spectrometry, protein fractionation, and bioinformatics to characterize the proteome—the complete protein complement—of a cell, tissue, organism, or microbiome at a particular time.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standard references define proteomics as large-scale protein analysis of expression and function; this aligns exactly with the chosen option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Algal genomes: genomics, not proteomics.

Quantum physics branch: unrelated to biological “-omics.”

Lipoprotein formation in animals: too narrow; proteomics is organism-wide and cross-kingdom.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing proteomics (proteins) with genomics (DNA) or transcriptomics (RNA). Also, thinking proteomics is limited to expression only; it also includes modifications and interactions.

Final Answer:

The study of the entire collection of proteins expressed by an organism