Gene Ontology (GO)

Gene Ontology (GO) is a structured system that classifies and describes the functions, processes, and components associated with genes across different species. It provides a shared language to annotate genes, helping scientists understand what genes do, where they are active in the cell, and the biological processes they influence. GO uses three main categories: Biological Process (activities performed by multiple genes), Molecular Function (specific activities at the molecular level), and Cellular Component (locations within or around the cell). This standardized framework facilitates data comparison, interpretation, and understanding of gene roles in health and disease.