Bioinformatics is the rapidly growing science of analyzing electronically stored and distributed biological data using computer-based tools. The term was first developed in 1979 by PaulienHogewey to describe the study of informatics processes in the biotic system. Rapid growth in the areas of molecular and genomic research, combined with the prevalence of information technology in our society and the incredible amount of data related to biological processes, has facilitated the requirement for computerized databases to analyze the data. A bioinformatics practitionerassists with managing huge volumes of data to form a comprehensive picture of normal cellular activities so that researchers may study how these activities are altered in different disease states.

Areas of Specialization
For a bioinformatics practitioner, it will be important to have training in biology, computer sciences, and information technology. This involves the analysis and interpretation of various types of data, including nucleotide and amino acid sequences, protein domains, and protein structures. Other areas of specialization could include genome sequencing and mapping.

Work Environment
The work environment for a bioinformatics practitioner will most often be in a research institution or in the pharmaceutical industry. Other options could include biotech companies involved in both agriculture and industrial organisms research.