[NatashaKundi]

Bioinformatics is a combination of molecular biology and computer sciences. It is that technology in which computers are used to gather, store, analyze and integrate biological and genetic information. The need for Bioinformatics arose when a project to determine the sequence of the entire human genome was initiated. This project was called the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics is very important for the use of genomic information to understand human diseases and to identify new ways for gene-based drug discovery and development. Therefore, many universities, government institutions and pharmaceutical companies have come forward to form bioinformatics groups to do research related to computational biology so that better ways are used to make processes more efficient and less time consuming.

Application of Bioinformatics:

Bioinformatics in Proteomics

Proteomics is a branch of biotechnology that deals with the techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to analyze the structure, function, and interactions of the proteins produced by the genes of a particular cell, tissue, or organism. This technology is being improved continuously and new tactics are being introduced. In the current day and age it is possible to acquire the proteome data. Bioinformatics makes it easier to come up with new algorithms to handle large and heterogeneous data sets to improve the processes. To date, algorithms for image analysis of 2D gels have been developed. In case of mass spectroscopy, data analysis algorithms for peptide mass fingerprinting and peptide fragmentation fingerprinting have been developed.

Bioinformatics and Genomics

Genomics is the study of complex sets of genes, their expression and the most vital role they play in biology. The most important application of bioinformatics in genomics is the Human Genome Project through which more than 30,000 genes have been identified and secured through the sequencing of chemical base pairs which make up the DNA. It has thus enabled us to obtain necessary knowledge as to how these genes inter-relate and what functions they perform. Cures for many diseases are being discovered through this inter-relation where bioinformatics, no doubt, plays a pivotal role.

Bioinformatics and Transcriptiomics

Transcriptiomics deals with the study of messenger RNA molecules produced in an individual or population of a particular cell type. It is also referred to as Expression Profiling in which the expression level of mRNA, in a given cell population, is determined through DNA microarray technology. Bioinformatics is thus used for transcriptome analysis where mRNA expressions levels can be determined so as to see how a certain disease, like cancer, can be cured.

Parallel to the above mentioned fields, Bioinformatics is also being used in;
Molecular medicine, Personalised medicine, Preventative medicine, Gene therapy, Drug development, Microbial genome applications, Waste cleanup, Climate change Studies, Alternative energy sources, Biotechnology, Antibiotic resistance, Forensic analysis of microbes, Bio-weapon creation, Evolutionary studies, Crop improvement, Insect resistance, Improve nutritional quality, Development of Drought resistance varieties, Veterinary Science etc which are all quite debatable in their own capacity and will be discussed in further detail.