Objectives of bioinformatics

Why we study bioinformatics?

• Allows researchers to access existing information and to submit new entries as they are produced.
• Develop tools that help in analyzing of data.
• To analyze data and interpret the results in a biologically meaningful manner.
• Aids in sequencing and annotating genomes and their observed mutations.
• A tool to analyze gene and protein expression and regulation.
• Aids in the comparison of genetic and genomic data.

Goals of bioinformatics:

1. To finding fast information retrieval algorithms that can deal with vast amounts of data in the archieves.

2. Extension of experimental data by predictions. 

• This includes prediction of protein structure from an amino acid sequence.
• Example: Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) Programs

3. Predict interactions between proteins.

• A good protein-protein complexes show good complementarities in surface shape and polarity and are stabilized by interactions such as hydrogen bonds, wan der waals forces and so on.
• Computer programs can simulate these interactions in order to predict the binding affinity and optimal binding between proteins.

4. Uncover the wealth of biological information.

• To obtain clear insight into the fundamental biology of organisms and to use the information to enhance the quality of life of organisms.
• Combinations of different data with the hope to understand natural phenomena, including organisms and disease.