Bioinformatics

Why Bionformatics?

 Bioinformatics is essentially the collection, collation, storage and retrieval of biological data. These data ranges from DNA, Protein, Biochemical information etc. Bioinformatics can also be defined as the use of biomedical tools - software or programme to analyse, data which are stored, or retrieved from the genomic, proteomics or biochemical database. These tools make it possible to do sequence alignment, homology search, identification of protein function, structure, and its role in a normal cell or in  pathology.

So is it all about data, information, proteins, or DNA? Well, the answer is no, bioinformatics is beyond these definitions given above. Bioinformatics is the way forward for researchers, students, and even doctors. Today, bioinformatics tools is integrated into many branches of science and in the near future even the general public will be able to use bioinformatics tools to analyse their own DNA sequence.

So, why bother to study bioinformatics as a student?, All what have been said so far,  is "it is essential for..." In my own subjective view it is more useful not only for final year project but also to reinforce study or lecture materials. Whatever the area of profession for a student, these tools are still important in doing a background study of unknown protein, disease, pathogens. it can also aid in making research more quick than working in lab. in the near future, it will be possible to even do laboratory work without using the lab.

How do you access them?
Bioinformatics tools can be accessed via computer or phone. this means that, everybody can use bioinformatics tools. Some important software or web access is NCBI, ProSite, Pfam etc.