Bioinformatics &Human Genome project

V.Sangarshanan15BCB0093 VIT University Vellore

What do we do ?

•A bioinformatics scientist is someone who applies information technology and computer science into the area of biology.

•We envision and build a database for researchers to share their biological data and observe how they interconnect.

•We create computer tools to track and analyze the patterns of viral outbreaks around the country in order to start remedial measures.

•We often have to come up with creative means both analytically and computationally to solve many biological mysteries

• We help in creating personalized medicines by working with a team to evaluate thousands of individuals' genetic code and biochemistry.

•Program an algorithm that will help piece together the structure and function of a protein

These are only some of the many work that is done by a bioinformatician

Our Contribution•Computers have become essential in

every field and hence we require biologists with computational skills

•Computers can instill our creativity and save our time and resources

•Computers became essential in molecular biology when protein sequences became available after Frederick Sanger determined the sequence of insulin 

•We can program computers to store Protein information in the correct sequence

•Similarly we also aid in sequencing and annotating genomes and their mutations

•Hence we play a role in the analysis of gene and protein expression and regulation.

Human genome

•A genome is an organism's complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a chemical compound that contains the genetic instructions needed to develop and direct the activities of every organism.

•There are between 30,000 and 40,000 genes in the human genome but people also suggest that there could be 100,000 or more human genes.

•Our genes work differently than that of other animals due to the presence of control genes which increase the variety and subtlety of genes that control other genes.

•Hundreds of genes appear to have come from bacteria including the one which has been associated with depression.

•Most mutations occur in males maybe due to the greater number cell divisions in sperms

•The function of more than 97% of the previously classified junk DNA is being found.

•Such advancement in genomics has been made possible only because of orderly classification and sequencing of the DNA by bioinformatics scientists

The Human Genome Project

• The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international scientific research project with the goal of determining the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up human DNA , and of identifying and mapping all of the genes of the human genome from both a physical and functional standpoint.

• The work of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to begin to understand the blueprint for building a person. As researchers learn more about the functions of genes and proteins, this knowledge will have a major impact in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences.

Use & Purpose•In April 2003 the researchers completed the

sequence of essentially entire human genome•The sequence of the human genome and tools

to analyze the data freely available via the Internet.

•By studying the similarities and differences between human genes and those of other organisms, researchers can discover the functions of particular genes and identify which genes are critical for life

•The Project’s Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program became the world’s largest bioethics program and a model for other ELSI programs worldwide.

•We will be able to learn about risks of future illness based on DNA analysis

•Experts are working on specific drugs for individuals based on their genetic makeup in order to increase their efficiency.

•Identification of mutations linked to different forms of cancer

•  advancement in forensic applied sciences

Issues and harms•Could employers and insurance

companies obtain an individual's genetic information? Could government agencies or law enforcement authorities use genome research to invade privacy and predict behavior? Could prospective spouses demand DNA screenings to reject unsuitable mates?

•In future offspring considered grotesque, revolting, impaired, repugnant or offensive could be eliminated.