Bioinformatics - A user's perspective

This review provides an overview of bioinformatics from the user's point of view. Bioinformatics, defined as the application of computers, databases, and computational methods to the management of biologic information, is ess ential for almost every aspect of data management in modern biology. The ra pid accumulation of genomic sequence information together with the wide ava ilability of new technologies that analyze global gene expression patterns have created an information overload. Molecular biology labs are increasing ly dependent on computers, large-capacity databases, search and analysis to ols, and high-quality Internet connections. Currently available bioinformat ics tools are discussed and a general approach is outlined. Using the resou rces and approaches in this review, readers should be able to form their ow n view of bioinformatics and tailor the solutions to the information overlo ad according to their needs.