Computer:
Computer for biology | Computer’s future
Ever since its invention, computer has been progressing
everyday in a speed that is far beyond the imagination of it inventors. At the
same time, it has been applied as an indispensable tool into other fields, one
of which is life science.
Generally
speaking, the application of computer in life science can be described as:
|
|
transforming modeling |
abstract concept |
data processing |
specific concept |
Modeling
The right arrow represents the pathway from experiments to
conclusion; that is: the results of a specific experiment, such as the parameters
of a biochemical reaction, can be transcribed into the ultimate specific
description (e.g. imagines or statistical results), after having been processed
by the computer in the form of abstract mathematical signals.
On the other hand, the left arrow is the process of
artificial modeling of abstract mathematical theories or description for a
specific phenomenon.
Specifically
speaking, computer can be used in life sciences in the three ways as follows:
1. Data processing:
|
data |
modeling signal |
AD/DA transformer |
digital signal |
: displaying |
2. Biological modeling
|
|
|
mathematical model |
|
: forecast |
3. Bioinformatics:
Data library
comparison
data prediction
Here are some
examples for the three ways:
1. data processing/analysis:
Data processing is the most popular way of computer in life
science, which is the basis of quantitative analysis.
In biological statistics:
【Example 1】in biological statistics, difference between the data
Use
four different kinds of fodder to feed chicken and measure the weight gained
ten days later. The data are show below. Is there any difference between the
four kinds?
|
fodder |
weight gained |
|
1 |
55，49，62，45，51 |
|
2 |
61，58，52，68，70 |
|
3 |
71，65，56，73，59 |
|
4 |
85，90，76，78，69 |
Conclusions
can be drawn quickly with the aid of computer software: there is difference
between the fodder.
【Example
2】in analysis of the structure of biological macromolecules
How to determine the quaternary structure of macromolecules
is one of the most important problems of biochemistry, which used to take
several years for a group of people to do such a task. Now with the help of
computer, the time can be reduced to one or a few months. Often the process of
such work can be described as follows:
Œx-ray crystallography à calculus
à Žmodulation of phase angles à correction
à analysis of structure and
function
All the steps except the first
one above can be done by computer.
【Example
3】On the study of specific characters of an experimental
object
The outline of the study of the transmission character of
?? of frog is as follows:
In vitro neuronsà activationà action potentialà amplificationà AD/DAà analysis of data by computer.
Through this process we can obtain such useful results as
the speed of transmission, etc.
2. Biological model
On the contrary to the imagination of most people, the
biological model is connected with pure software in stead of hardware. The
steps are:
a. Construct a mathematical model on the basis of some
biological laws
b. Writea computer program according to this model.
c. Run this program and get the results.
【Example
4】Ecological model
On the basis of the situation of present ecology and some
biological theories, we can predict the tendency of the ecological system.
An oil factory is needed but if we build it near a gulf,
the location and dimension will have some influence on nearby oceanic
population. Now we can construct a function z=f(x,y) to describe such
effect, in which z is the effect on population (such as the change of
population size). x is the location and y is the dimension. With the help of
the computer, we can get a suitable x and y and thus avoids the destroying of
ecological system if the oil factory is built unplanned.
【Example
5】Modeling of artificial life
|
|
Model of the dynamical characters of biological
macromolecules such as proteins. Model of the process of the development of simple
multicelluar orgnanisms. Model of the mophological pattern of life. Model of the character of the behavior of a ecological
system. Model of the process of evolution. Model of the structure and process of human cognition. Model of artificial life. |
|
|
|
|
abstract macro |
Take neuro-network for example:
A program can be used as the model of the brain of a bat.
When activated by the outside world(such as noise), such a “brain” will have
reaction in some specific domains. Such reactions sometimes are similar with
real brain.
3. bioinformatics
In the field of biology many data libraries, such as
protein structure, DNA sequence, etc. have been built for public use. Now it is
convenient for biologists to compare or use the data for his own analysis.
【Example
6】Protein structure determining
A certain biologist is doing research on protein structure
determining. If he employs the commonly used methods – X-ray, it will take him
much time but the result may be discouraging. Now he uses bioinformatical ways
to compare his protein with the data in information library. Such methods will
make his research more efficient.
From the above it is clearly seen that computer has become
a useful and indispensable tool in biolgy, no matter in macro or micro level.
Computer’s future in biology will be more bright.