The transcriptome refers to the complete set of RNA molecules produced in a cell or organism at a specific time. This includes messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis, as well as non-coding RNAs that play various roles in gene regulation and cellular processes. Studying the transcriptome helps scientists understand gene expression patterns and how they change in response to different conditions, such as disease or environmental factors. Techniques like RNA sequencing are commonly used to analyze the transcriptome, providing insights into cellular functions and potential therapeutic targets.