Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Bioinformatics


Bio-informatics is a mix of biosciences, computer engineering, statistics and mathematics. Bioinformatics is the process of collecting, organising and analysing phenomenally large amounts of biological data using computer networks."

Bioinformatics is broadly defined as: a combination of Computer Science, Information Technology and Genetics to determine and analyze genetic information. In nutshell, it is Information Technology (IT) in Biotechnology (BT).
 

The research and studies worldwide in the field of biotechnology generates numerous data that needs to be compiled and analysed quickly so that the results inferred may be put to immediate use. For this biotechnologists put to use latest computer-aided equipment and software. This is quite often referred as bioinformatics in which IT tools combine with biotechnology.
 

In analysing similar genes in different species, bioinformatics helps in searching and comparing. Going forward, the stream has expanded into analysing, processing, visualising and processing large quantities of data.
 

Datamining in bioinformatics is the equivalent of coding in software. It is the process of developing software for studying the human genes and proteins. Datamining can also be defined as the exploration and analysis, by automatic or semi-automatic means, of large quantities of data in order to discover meaningful patterns and rules.
 

NEED FOR BIOINFORMATICS
Genomics or gene-sequencing projects, high-throughput screening, combinatorial chemical synthesis, gene-expression investigations, and pharmacogenomics and proteomics studies are creating massive volumes and multiple sources of biological and chemical data. Data threatens to cause a bottleneck in drug discovery and development.

Relating and turning this complexity of data into useful information and knowledge is the primary goal of bioinformatics. As computing and biology have converged, software tools for data capture, management, analysis, mining, and dissemination have emerged.
 

At the most basic level, computers communicate in a series of ones and zeros - binary code. A DNA strand, on the other hand, consists of a series of four types of molecules called nucleotides, or base pairs, in effect a base four code. The sequence of those base pairs contains instructions to build various proteins - which are then assembled into a living cell or organism. Bioinformatics uses computers and electronics to read pieces of the genetic code and identify the function of specific genes. That information can then be used to develop new drugs or diagnostic tools.
 

Running though genetic variations and the incredible task of deciphering proteins is impossible without infotech. Hardware companies provide equipment to handle the vast quantities of data. Software tools capture, manage and analyze that data. Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies need IT infrastructure to do meaningful research.
 

INDIAN BIOINFORMATICS MARKET
Bioinformatics has become a frontline applied science and is of vital importance to the study of new biology, which is widely recognised as the defining scientific endeavour of the twenty-first century. The genomic revolution has underscored the central role of bioinformatics in understanding the very basics of life processes.
 

India’s predominantly agrarian economy, the vast biodiversity and ethnically diverse population makes biotechnology a crucial determinant in achieving national development. As India’s population crossed one billion figure, the country is faced with newer challenges of conservation of biodiversity to ensure food security, healthcare, tackling bio-piracy and safe guarding IPR of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) and associated knowledge systems, environment protection and education.
 

The liberalization and globalization of the economy pose further challenge to society and the government to modernize and respond to the increasingly competitive international environment. As rapid technological advancements and innovation impact the basic activities like agriculture, industry, environment and services, the country has to evolve programmes that would aid in economic development driven by science and technology. It is therefore of utmost importance that India participates in and contributes to the ensuing global bioinformatics revolution.
 

In recognition of its importance, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India has identified bioinformatics as an area of high priority during the tenth plan period in order to ensure that this sector attains levels demanded in the international arena. The domestic market for Bioinformatics is currently worth around Rs. 200 crores and is expected to grow quite rapidly in the next few years.

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