Bioinformatics for Dummies.

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.