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Biomolecular computing technology |
| Biomolecular computing technology takes advantage of the special physicochemical properties of biomacromolecules such as DNA, specifically the ability of complementary sequences to bind tightly to each other. It applies this to produce a biological equivalent to the process of electronic logical computation. These properties enable DNA mixtures to act as massively parallel computers. The almost infinite variety of possible base-pair sequences in DNA also confers on biological systems an inherently huge potential memory capacity when used in this way. By using such mixtures as input and output data for logical computational processes, it is possible to conduct highly precise genetic diagnostic and gene expression profiling analyses of actual cell and tissue samples. These kinds of applications are expected to prove immensely valuable in future in the fields of medical and health care. |
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| 2. |
SNP |
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The phenomenon of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) refers to differences of a single base pair within a genomic DNA sequence of 300-500 base pairs; the study of such differences within the human population is expected to yield genetic markers that could signal a person's susceptibility to a certain disease, or else provide clues as to the likely response to a drug and its possible side-effect profile. |
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| 3. |
Gene expression profiling |
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This kind of analysis measures the quantity and variety of messenger RNA (mRNA: this kind of nucleic acid transmits the genetic information from DNA within cells so that it can be translated, or "expressed," as proteins) within a cell as part of trying to elucidate the function and role of the various genes expressed. |
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| 4. |
Biomacromolecules |
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Biomolecules containing large numbers of molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides. Nucleic acid molecules are now the prime focus of research into biomolecular computing, a field where substantial progress is being made. |
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| 5. |
Primer DNA |
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Primer DNA consists of oligonucleotide DNA sequences containing short stretches of deoxyribonucleic acid with hydroxyl groups at the 3'-position. These are necessary to allow the DNA to form its natural helical structure. The sequence of the primer DNA is designed to be complementary to that of specific template DNA strand. |
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| 6. |
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy |
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This is a type of spectroscopy that measures the fluorescent properties of individual molecules directly, thereby making detection much more precise while eliminating unwanted signals. |
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| 7. |
SNP typing analysis |
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Based on knowledge of the location of certain SNPs on the human genome, this kind of analysis determines the distribution of SNPs in certain genes and the parts of the genome surrounding them, using genetic specimens taken from the samples of patients with a specified disease or the physically unimpaired. SNP typing can be used in this way to identify the genes associated with certain diseases. |
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| 8. |
Statistical hereditary analysis |
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By examining patterns of heredity in major diseases like diabetes, hypertension and asthma, this kind of analysis aims to identify the so-called "disease susceptibility genes," which are implicated in illnesses where there are thought to be multiple genetic influences. Such analyses provide the basic data that is required in the evolving fields of genome-related drug discovery and genetic medicine. |
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| 9. |
Cluster analysis |
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Based on data relating to the expression of individual genes, this kind of analysis is one statistical technique for dividing genes into groups. This can be helpful in trying to work out their function and distribution within the human population. |
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| 10. |
Array informatics |
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Array informatics, a branch of information sciences, uses statistical methods to analyze the function and distribution of genes based on masses of raw gene expression profiling data obtained from DNA chips and DNA microarrays. These data show the degree to which individual genes are expressed relative to other genes. |
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| 11. |
GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) |
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GLP is a set of internationally accepted standards designed to ensure high quality, accuracy and safety in pre-clinical testing of drugs and other laboratory testing. |
