From Sequence to Genomics Assisted Breeding - the Role of Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to the processing, analysis, storage, visualization and dissemination of DNA data. For large scale data generated by next generation sequencing bioinformatics is integral to its utility. Processing and analysis algorithms are used to identify high quality sequences, assemble them into longer EST or genome contigs, identify SNPs and other polymorphisms, map them to genomes, and do comparative analysis. Access to centralized databases with online tools enables basic, translational and applied researchers to submit, search and analyze integrated genomic, genetic and breeding information.