Bioinformatics
THE PAST
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But first, lets break it down
To further understand bioinformatics, here are few terms that you need to know...
THE ATOM is a basic unit of matter that consists of a dense central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrions. The atomic nucleus contains a mix of positively charged protons and electrically neutral neurons (except in the case of hydrogen-I, which is the only stable nuclide with no neurons)
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A MOLECULE is an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their electrical charge. However, in quantum physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, the term molecule is often used less strictly, also being applied to poly atomic ions.
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DNA is a nucleic acid containing the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms (with the exception of RNA viruses). The DNA segments carrying the genetic information are called genes. Likewise, other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information. Along with RNA and proteins, DNA is one of the three major macro molecules that are essential for all known forms of life.
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A CHROMOSOME is an organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements, and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions.
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THE CELL is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. Organisms can be classified as unicellular (consisting of a single cell; including most bacteria) or multi cellular (including plants and animals). Humans contain about 10trillion cells. Most plant and animal cells are between 1 and 100 micrometers and therefore are visible only under the microscope.
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a world before bioinformatics
Before bioinformatics, mathematics is also considered a tool for science. The world of chemistry, physics, astronomy, etc. is highly dependent on mathematics. Take for example; Galileo's and Newton's laws and explanations. Their discoveries are huge, however can be complicated as well. With mathematics, their discoveries can be simplified to a simple mathematical expression. This is not the case for the world of biology as there are no formulas that we can store data in, nor formulas that are able to sequence genes. In the 20th century however, statistics and numerical analysis began to establish footholds in the field. Computers were able to carry these methods to new heights, though mainly by automating them. This was when bioinformatics became a key component in biology. Although “pure” computer science is itself discrete math, separable from hardware, this would eventually come to bear on a newly digital biology.
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