Bioinformatics: making sense of the information flood

Glossary

algorithm. A logical, step-by-step procedure used to solve problems in mathematics and computer programming. In the case of biometrics the algorithm refers to a computer program designed to turn raw data into code that can be used more easily by identification/verification software. 

base (in DNA). Any one of four nitrogenous (nitrogen-containing) bases (adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine). The sequence of the bases in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in all proteins found in living things. 

chromosome. A long DNA molecule that contains the genes of the organism. Chromosomes are visible in cells during cell division. 

cognitive.A term that relates to the conscious mental processes of perception, memory, judgment and reasoning.

convergent evolution. The development of similar functions and structures in unrelated or distantly-related organisms.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The nucleic acid forming the genetic material of all organisms with the exception of some viruses which have RNA. DNA is present in the nucleus and other organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. 

eukaryotic. Describes those cells that have their genetic material (chromosomes) contained within a nucleus.

gene (genetic).The basic unit of inheritance. A gene is a segment of DNA that specifies the structure of a protein or an RNA molecule. 

genome. The total genetic material of an individual or species. 

map. A plan of the linear sequence of chromosomes. 

mapping.Constructing a plan (or map) of the linear sequence of chromosomes. 

nucleic acid. A large molecule made up of a sequence of phosphorylated nitrogen-containing bases. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids. 

nucleotides.The basic building blocks of nucleic acids that, when joined together, make up the structural units of RNA and DNA.

organelle.A specialized subcellular structure within a cell that has one or more specific functions.

protein. A large molecule composed of a linear sequence of amino acids. This linear sequence is a protein's primary structure. Short sequences within the protein molecule can interact to form regular folds (eg, alpha helix and beta pleated sheet) called the secondary structure. Further folding from interaction between sites in the secondary structure forms the tertiary structure of the protein.
Proteins are essential to the structure and function of cells. They account for more than 50 per cent of the dry weight of most cells, and are involved in most cell processes. Examples of proteins include enzymes, collagen in tendons and ligaments and some hormones. More information can be found at Protein structure and diversity (Molecular Biology Notebook, Rothamsted Research, UK).

proteome. The complete set of proteins that are expressed and modified in an organism following their expression by the genome. The term "proteome" was coined from the PROTEin complement of the genOME in 1994 by Marc Wilkins, a graduate student at Macquarie University in Australia.

RNA (ribonucleic acid). A nucleic acid similar to DNA. In most organisms, RNA serves as a ‘read-out’ of the genetic information in DNA to facilitate various aspects of cell metabolism, particularly as a message for protein synthesis. However, in some viruses, including influenza, RNA is the primary genetic material instead of DNA, and is more prone to mutation than DNA. For more information see RNA (Nobelprize.org).

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Posted February 2010, edited August 2012