Algorithms for Large-Scale Clustering and Assembly of Biological Sequence Data
Srinivas Aluru · 2005
Each living cell contains its own “cookbook” called a genome that contains recipes called genes required for biological processes and phenotypic characteristics. In the past, advancements in molecular biology largely focused on the study of individual genes. For example, unusual phenotypes have been used to isolate corresponding genomic regions using classical genetic mapping techniques. When applied to traditional genetics, this experiment is called a forward screen. Genome projects have since led to a paradigm shift in this field — after a complete book is obtained, recipes are deciphered using reverse screens. Under this paradigm unusual phenotypes can be generated by disabling a predicted gene and observing possible effects. Because the availability of a complete genome also accelerates the design and analysis of high-throughput experiments, such as those involving microarrays, data about large collections of genes are also now more quickly available.