Numerical Methods in Bioinformatics: An Introduction is a renowned book written by Michael S. Waterman and Charles E. Johnson. Published by Oxford University Press in 2003, this book has become a cornerstone in the field of bioinformatics. It serves as an excellent introduction to the use of numerical methods in solving biological problems and has been widely used by students and researchers alike.
Author: Michael S. Waterman and Charles E. Johnson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Year: 2003
The book is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various numerical methods employed in bioinformatics. It aims to help readers understand the principles behind these methods and apply them to real-world biological problems. The authors have carefully structured the book to ensure that readers can easily grasp the concepts and techniques presented.
The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of numerical methods in bioinformatics. The following is a brief overview of the book's structure:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics
This chapter provides an overview of the field of bioinformatics, its importance, and the role of numerical methods in solving biological problems.
Chapter 2: Sequence Alignment
This chapter discusses the importance of sequence alignment in bioinformatics and introduces various numerical methods used for aligning biological sequences, such as the Smith-Waterman algorithm and the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm.
Chapter 3: Multiple Sequence Alignment
This chapter covers the topic of multiple sequence alignment, which is crucial for understanding the evolutionary relationships between proteins and nucleic acids. The chapter explores different numerical methods for performing multiple sequence alignment, including the ClustalW algorithm and the MUSCLE algorithm.
Chapter 4: Gene Finding
This chapter delves into the challenges of gene finding in genomic sequences and introduces numerical methods for identifying genes within DNA sequences. The chapter discusses algorithms such as GeneMark, Glimmer, and Augustus.
Chapter 5: Protein Structure Prediction
This chapter discusses the importance of protein structure prediction in bioinformatics and introduces various numerical methods for predicting the three-dimensional structure of proteins. The chapter covers techniques such as homology modeling, ab initio modeling, and fold recognition.
Chapter 6: Network Analysis in Bioinformatics
This chapter explores the application of network analysis in bioinformatics, focusing on the analysis of protein-protein interaction networks, gene regulatory networks, and metabolic networks. The chapter introduces numerical methods for analyzing these networks, such as network visualization, clustering, and module detection.
Chapter 7: Bioinformatics Databases and Data Integration
This chapter discusses the role of bioinformatics databases in storing and organizing biological data. The chapter covers the challenges of data integration and introduces numerical methods for integrating diverse biological datasets.
Chapter 8: High-Throughput Data Analysis
This chapter focuses on the analysis of high-throughput biological data, such as microarray data and next-generation sequencing data. The chapter introduces numerical methods for analyzing these data types, including statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
Chapter 9: Future Directions in Bioinformatics
This final chapter discusses the future directions of bioinformatics and the potential impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, on the field.
In conclusion, Numerical Methods in Bioinformatics: An Introduction is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the application of numerical methods in solving biological problems. The book's comprehensive coverage of various numerical methods and their applications in bioinformatics makes it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals alike. With its clear explanations and practical examples, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the fascinating world of bioinformatics.