发现 DNA 中的隐藏信息(生物信息学 I)

你将学到什么

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics Algorithms

Algorithms

Python Programming

课程概况

一个基因组看起来就像是由字母A、C、G和T组成的一组难以理解的字符串。但是隐藏在你基因组中的三十多亿个核苷酸实际上是一个密码系统。本课程会向你介绍我们应如何运用算法破解DNA中的隐藏信息，从而着手逐步理解这种语言。

这些隐藏信息表达的是什么？在本课程的第一章中，DNA的隐藏信息将向我们讲解一个应用于生物工程及更广泛领域的问题，即细菌是从何处开始复制其自身的基因组。在第二章中，DNA的隐藏信息将告诉我们生物体是如何区分昼夜，以及引发结核病的细菌如何能躲过抗生素的“追捕”。并且，我们还将通过抛硬币和掷骰子的例子讲解随机化算法，以及如何使用此算法破解上述信息。
课程每一章都包含一个单独的生物学问题，并逐渐建立起解决这些问题所需要的算法知识。在整个学习过程中，课本文本里融入了大量当时需要的编程的挑战和练习（其中大部分需要你处理真实的遗传数据）。

Named a top 50 MOOC of all time by Class Central!

This course begins a series of classes illustrating the power of computing in modern biology. Please join us on the frontier of bioinformatics to look for hidden messages in DNA without ever needing to put on a lab coat.

In the first half of the course, we investigate DNA replication, and ask the question, where in the genome does DNA replication begin? We will see that we can answer this question for many bacteria using only some straightforward algorithms to look for hidden messages in the genome.

In the second half of the course, we examine a different biological question, when we ask which DNA patterns play the role of molecular clocks. The cells in your body manage to maintain a circadian rhythm, but how is this achieved on the level of DNA? Once again, we will see that by knowing which hidden messages to look for, we can start to understand the amazingly complex language of DNA. Perhaps surprisingly, we will apply randomized algorithms, which roll dice and flip coins in order to solve problems.

Finally, you will get your hands dirty and apply existing software tools to find recurring biological motifs within genes that are responsible for helping Mycobacterium tuberculosis go “dormant” within a host for many years before causing an active infection.