"in silico DNA, RNA, Protein Sequence,
and Structure Analysis:
Theory and Practice"

9:30 AM Historical background of computational biology

Mathematics has played exceptionally important roles throughout the history of biology. More biology students take Calculus than any other single constituency. Too frequently, textbook authors have unappreciated mathematics in biology curricula because they assume that biology students have an inadequate mathematical preparation. This practice: (1) de-skills many biology students, (2) is inconsistent with our requirements, (3) misrepresents contemporary biological research, and, (4) under prepares students to read many articles or to contribute to many areas of biology. However, the recent calculus and biology reform movements have empowered students to actively investigate the behavior of many famous mathematical models in biology. While numerous recent publications are replete with numerous models, there is a need to identify a succinct list of achievements that represent the power of mathematics in biology. Hence, "ten equations that changed biology" and a brief description of their historical importance are presented here with BioQUEST software instantiations in order to: first, draw attention to a variety of mathematical models that have been intrinsic to significant discoveries in biology and, second, to illustrate that the tools are currently available for engaging students in active investigation of biological phenomena and the development of systematic strategies for biological problem solving.

How is structure determined? Well, of course, it depends on whether you are referring to the primary (1û), secondary (2û) or the tertiary (3û) structure. We will discuss current methods for determining these structures as well as reviewing general protein chemistry.