Bioinformatics For Dummies
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Bioinformatics – the process of utilizing biological databases, comparing sequences, and researching biological questions with computers – is a modern technological marvel that can save you months of lab work. Remarkably, you can access sophisticated programs online for free, often without needing to install anything on your computer. Understanding how to use these tools is essential, and that's where this guide comes in. It explains bioinformatics in straightforward language, making it accessible without delving into complex jargon or theoretical courses. You'll learn to use Internet resources, grasp bioinformatics terminology, research biological databases, and locate necessary sequences through step-by-step instructions. Authored by two experts in the field, the guide emphasizes practical applications. Beginners can start with a review of microbiology basics and available tools, while those with specific goals can jump directly to relevant chapters. Key topics include researching and analyzing DNA and protein sequences, gathering information from published sources, searching for similar sequences, producing and editing multiple sequence comparisons, predicting protein and RNA structures, and conducting phylogenetic analysis. With an Internet connection and this guide, you can explore databases containing extensive information on human biology, effectively turning your workspace into a vast virtual lab assistant that’s a
