What is Bioinformatics?

One idea for a definition:

(Molecular) Bio - informatics =
is conceptualizing biology in terms of molecules
(in the sense of physical-chemistry) and then
applying "informatics" techniques (derived from
disciplines such as applied math, CS, and
statistics) to understand and organize the
information associated with these molecules, on
a large-scale.
 Bioinformatics is the field of science in which
biology, computer science, and information
technology merge into a single discipline. The
ultimate goal of the field is to enable the discovery
of new biological insights as well as to create
a global perspective from which unifying
principles in biology can be discerned.
Biological Data + Computer Calculations

Bioinformatics
 The Southern Blot
Basic DNA detection technique that has been
used for over 30 years, known as Southern blots:
A known strand of DNA is deposited on a solid
support (i.e. nitocellulose paper)
An unknown mixed bag of DNA is labelled
(radioactive or flourescent)
Unknown DNA solution allowed to mix with known
DNA (attached to nitro paper), then excess solution
washed off
If a copy of known DNA occurs in unknown sample,
it will stick (hybridize), and labeled DNA will be detected
on photographic film
 Microarray
(mRNA Represent Gene Function)

When measure the level of a mRNA, we are

monitoring the activity of a gene.
Thus, if we can understand all the level of
mRNAs, we can study the expression of whole
genome.
Microarray takes the advantage of getting over
10000 of blotting data in a single experiment,
which makes monitoring the genome activity
possible.
BASICS OF DNA & RNA
DNA & RNA
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine 1962

The DNA double-helix, 1953

Who discovered the structure of
DNA?

Rosalind Elsie Franklin X-ray crystallography

(1920-1958)
END