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The genome (human genetic material) contains vast amounts of sequenced molecular information. The sciences around information management is one parent of bioinformatics, the other is molecular biology which studies life at the level of the molecules that make it up. In the beginning of the 21st century humankind has made significant advances in analysing the molecular structure of DNA (Deoxynucelic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid). This process is known as sequencing and with the equipment and processes that now exist this can happen rapidly and with high accuracy.
Not only has the human genome now been sequenced but a significant number of other species have also had their gene sequences uncovered including bacteria and simple eukaryotes.
The Human Genome Project has sequenced all 24 of the human chromosomes.
The amount of information derived from sequencing is so large and growing so quickly that specially designed databases have been developed to contain this information.
Such databases require careful indexing of the sequenced material and the science of managing this valuable and complex material has developed into a field of information management generally referred to as Bioinformatics.
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