The application of computer technology to the management of
biological information. Specifically, it is the science of
developing computer databases and algorithms to facilitate and
expedite biological research. Bioinformatics is being used
largely in the field of human genome research by the Human
Genome Project that has been determining the sequence of the
entire human genome (about 3 billion base pairs) and is
essential in using genomic information to understand diseases.
It is also used largely for the identification of new molecular
targets for drug discovery. Many universities have recognized
the importance of this endeavor and have instituted academic and
training programs in bioinformatics that combine backgrounds in
molecular biology with a strong foundation in computer science.
Specialists in the field are referred to as computational
biologists or bioinformatics computer scientists. Featured
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