Bioinformatics* fuses biology with mathematics (especially statistics) and computer science (a scripting language like Perl above) to:

1. find genes within a genomic sequence.
2. align sequences in databases to assess similarities and differences..
3. predict the structure and function of gene products.
4. describe the interactions between genes and gene products at a global level within the cell and between organisms.
5. postulate phylogenetic relationships for gene and protein sequences.

 "Bioinformatics** is the application of computational tools and techniques to the management and analysis of biological data." Bioinformatics includes the archiving, searching, and displaying of biological and biochemical data, and the analyses and interpretations of this data to discover functional relationships for explaining biological phenomena. Bioinformatics also includes the development of mathematical and computer algorithms and programs to aid in the archiving, searching, displaying, analyzing, and interpreting activities. Statistical analyses are important for developing the theoretical foundations and legitimacy of bioinformatics programs and applications.

*Definition (except for parenthetical phrases) taken from: Genetics by P.J. Russell. 2002. Glossary,  p. 729. Benjamin Cummings, Publihsers.
**Tisdall, J. D. (2001) Beginning Perl for Bioinformatics, p. vii. O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., Sebastopol, CA.