Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9. Modeling and Simulation
Colicin Ia, PDB entry 1CII. Image produced with PDB Structure Explorer.
The formulation of a problem is far more often essential than its solution, which may
be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.
—
Albert Einstein
Experimental molecular biology research is often a painstakingly slow process that typically involves
a long sequence of carefully performed experiments, using a variety of equipment and laboratory
specialists. For example, positively identifying a protein by structure may take years of work. The
protein must be isolated, purified, crystallized, and then imaged. Because each step may involve
dozens of failed attempts, many scientists not primarily interested in the experimental methods, but
