Interim:
Problem
With the field of bioinformatics rapidly expanding, protein and nucleotide sequences of numerous species are becoming readily available. Our Problem is to compare these sequences and determine whether endangered species have a genetic similarity. Also, we will have to create a visual aid to make results easier to comprehend.
Plan
To solve this problem quickly, precisely, and accurately, a progressive multiple alignment algorithm will be used, programmed in Java. What this technique does is compare a sequence to each other respective sequence for a given number of sequences. To eliminate random scores and to cut down computational time, 20-30 sequences will most likely be compared. Furthermore, a control group of related, non-endangered species will be used to ensure that our results can be proven.
Progress
As of this time, our group is learning programming techniques in Java. Also, we have created a phylogenic tree (a comparison of species based on genetic relation) of all endangered animals in New Mexico. We are planning on building the Java program to perform our progressive alignment soon. We are also researching the biological side of the project, including gene formation, DNA formation, and why genes are similar across species.
Expected Results
We suspect that a genetic similarity in endangered animals does exist, and base this hypothesis on Darwin's Theory of Evolution. We hope to find a pattern of proteins that can be identifiable in the endangered species, and hope to be able to predict what other animal might become extinct based on genetic information.
Sources
Claverie, Jean Michel; Notredame, Cedric. "Bioinformatics for Dummies". Wiley Publishing. 2003.
www.wikipedia.com

www.ebi.ac.uk

www.expasy.ch

bioweb.pasteur.fr/intro-uk.html

Team Members:

  Kevin Christeson
  Reese Davies
  Natalie Salvat
  Justin Atteberry

Sponsoring Teacher: Donald Downs

Mail the entire Team