Bioinformatics For Dummies - Softcover

Claverie, Jean-Michel; Notredame, Cedric

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764516965 ISBN 13: 9780764516962

Publisher: For Dummies, 2003

Synopsis

Bioinformatics – the process of searching biological databases, comparing sequences, examining protein structures, and researching biological questions with a computer – is one of the marvels of modern technology that can save you months of lab work. And the most amazing part is that, if you know how, you can use highly sophisticated programs over the Internet without paying a dime and sometimes, without installing anything new on your own computer. All you need to know is how to use these technological miracles.

That's where Bioinformatics For Dummies comes in. If you want to know what bioinformatics is all about and how to use it without wading through pages of computer gibberish or taking a course full of theory, this book has the answers in plain English. You'll find out how to

• Use Internet resources
• Understand bioinformatics jargon
• Research biological databases
• Locate the sequences you need
• Perform specific tasks, step by step

Written by two experts who helped develop the science, Bioinformatics For Dummies is all about getting things done. If you're just getting your feet wet, start at the beginning with a quick review of those necessary parts of microbiology and an overview of the tools available. If you already know what you want to do, you can go directly to a chapter that shows you how. Get the lowdown on

• Researching and analyzing DNA and protein sequences
• Gathering information from all published sources
• Searching databases for similar sequences and acquiring information about gene functions through sequence comparisons
• Producing and editing multiple sequence comparisons for presentation
• Predicting protein structures and RNA structures
• Doing phylogenetic analysis

With an Internet connection and Bioinformatics For Dummies, you'll discover how to peruse databases that contain virtually everything known about human biology. It's like having access to the world's largest lab, right from your desk. This book is your lab assistant – one that never takes a day off, never argues when you ask it for help, and won't demand a benefits package.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"A painless and thorough introduction to the field."
-Jim Kent, Research Scientist, UC Santa Cruz

Related Web site helps you find the best tools

Get an overview, choose the right databases, or analyze sequences like a pro

Whether you're baffled by bioinformatics or just weary of wandering the Web, you've come to the right place. This friendly volume is like chatting with the experts. You'll get bioinformatics basics plus a cookbook of cool ideas, tips on tools, directions to the best Web sites, and shortcuts to great results - all in plain English!

Praise for Bioinformatics For Dummies

"The authors cover practical and theoretical aspects of a wide range of bioinformatics tools with remarkable clarity and humor. This book is a painless and thorough introduction to the field."
- Jim Kent, Author of GigAssembler, used in the Human Genome Project

About the Author

Jean-Michel Claverie, PhD, is one of the founders of modern bioinformatics and has written over 100 articles.

Cedric Notredame, PhD, is a researcher at France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and a group leader of the Swiss Bioinformatics Institute.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764516965
• ISBN 13: 9780764516962
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480