ABSTRACT
Genomic and transcriptomic studies, as well as related studies (Figure 23.1), have yielded enormous amounts of data and information regarding biological systems over the past three decades. Progress in the elucidation of the evolution of genes and genomes, including the mixing of genes and genomes, caused by horizontal gene transfers, is proceeding at ever increasing rates. Studies of the many functions of various types of RNAs have expanded greatly. However, although nucleic acids provide the genetic basis, and some of the controls of gene expression, energy transfer, and signal transduction, proteins and some of the products that they produce form the major characters of cells. Although organic chemistry and biochemistry have formed a foundation for much of the study of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other organic molecules, molecular biological and bioinformatics methods have allowed more comprehensive studies to be performed.
