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Difference between Whole Genome Sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing

November 3, 2024
written by Almas Anwar

The main difference between Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) is on the basis of their sequencing regions.

The genome consists of the complete genetic information of an organism, including both coding and noncoding areas. At the same time, Exome consists of all exons that are coding parts of the genome. Likewise, Whole genome sequencing is the order of all nucleotides of the genome. At the same time, Whole Exome sequencing includes only the order of exons.

Image showing Whole Genome Sequencing Vs. Whole Exome Sequencing

Whole Genome Sequencing VS Whole Exome Sequencing

Here are the some key differences between whole genome and exome sequencing:

CharacterWhole genome sequencingExome Sequencing
Definition“To determine the whole DNA sequence of an organism.” It includes the order of nucleotides in DNA.“To determine the sequence of only coding regions of DNA.”
Sequence regionsAll the coding & non-coding regions.  Mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA in plants too.Only the coding regions
Sequencing depthLower depth, due to large size of genomeHigher depth, as fewer regions are sequenced,  
CostMore expensive due to large dataLess expensive  
TimeTakes more timeTakes less time
ApplicationsSuitable for studying complex genetic conditions.  To study diseases associated with specific genes  
Clinical useLess use due to higher cost and volume of data, but valuable for researchHigh use in clinics and labs; to check changes in genes
LimitationsMore expensive and complicated; may find unrelated data.  Only shows coding parts of the genome; changes in noncoding regions are missed.