1 Introduction to Bioinformatics Free Online FlashCards

What is bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics uses computational methods to collect, organize, compare, and interpret biological data.

How does computational biology often differ in emphasis from bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics often emphasizes biological data, databases, and analytical tools; computational biology may also focus on mathematical models of biological processes.

Which nucleotide letter is used in RNA instead of DNA’s T?

DNA and RNA sequences are represented by nucleotide letters; RNA uses U where DNA uses T.

What is the main purpose of a biological database?

A biological database stores and organizes data so researchers can search, retrieve, compare, and reuse records.

Why should database annotations be evaluated rather than assumed equally certain?

Database annotations can differ in evidence and completeness, so researchers should check their sources, references, and supporting evidence.

What does sequence alignment do?

Sequence alignment arranges DNA, RNA, or protein sequences to identify similarities and differences.

What can sequence similarity suggest, and what can it not establish by itself?

Similarity can suggest shared ancestry or function, but it does not prove either; predictions may need experimental confirmation.

What should guide the choice of a computational method?

Choose a computational method that fits both the biological question and the data; sequence alignment is appropriate for comparing sequences.

What can a protein’s amino-acid sequence help researchers infer?

A protein sequence is a chain of amino acids represented by one-letter codes; its sequence can provide clues about structure and function.

What does genomics study?

Genomics studies an organism’s full set of DNA and how its components relate.

What do gene-expression measurements capture?

Gene-expression data measure RNA or other molecular activity across cells, tissues, conditions, or time points.

What role does metadata play in a biological record?

Metadata provides context about a sample or record, such as its organism, tissue, experimental method, or supporting evidence.