Exploring the Neuroscience of the Human Brain Using Bioinformatics
Overview and concepts
Overview
What is the structure and function of the nervous system? How do you use bioinformatics relational
databases to explore biological molecules? Students will explore the Genes 2 Cognition website and
then chose a particular molecule to investigate further. Students will use a variety of resources,
including OMIM, NCBI, Allen Brain Atlas, Ensemble, and Entrez.
Grade level
AP Biology
Concepts covered
Genomics, Bioinformatics, Cognitive Processes, Neuroscience, Physiology, proteins
Prior knowledge required:
Basic concept understanding
Activity notes
Time frame
 1-2 40-50 minute periods or 1 80-90 minute block
Materials
Student Handout: “Bioinformatics’ Activity: Exploring the Neuroscience of the Human Brain Using
Bioinformatics “ (see attached files)
Computers with internet access
Teaching Tips
 Background for teachers: The field of neuroscience is rapidly growing and information generated
from research is being made available electronically on-line. To utilize this information in a
meaningful way, bioinformatics webservers and relational databases are critical to anyone who
wishes to examine information related to their area of interest. One new site that has been
developed is entitled “Genes 2 Cognition.” This is a media-rich site containing information on
Human Brain Disorders, Cognitive Processes, Research Approaches, Protein-Protein Interactions,
and an interactive 3-D Model of the Human Brain. Each of these areas also provides additional
links to bioservers (NCBI, OMIM, Estrez, PubMed, PDB, etc.) for further exploration.
 Introduce the lesson and provide the amount of background needed for your students.
 Students will access Genes 2 Cognition website and become familiar with its various
components by watching the tutorial. Click the Using G2C located on the top menu bar.
 Once they are familiar with the general layout and operation of the site they should explore the
Bioinformatics section by viewing the related subway lines for Genes, Biochemicals, Cells, Brain
Anatomy and Cognition. This is located under the Research Approaches heading.
 Using the Protein-Protein Interaction Database students should select a molecule for further
study. Using the relational links provided for various bioinformatics’ programs (OMIM, NCBI,
Allen Brain Atlas, Ensemble, Entrez, etc. ) they should complete their worksheet with
information on the molecule’s name, identification number, species, chromosome number and


locus, a description of its physiology along with identifying specific regions of the brain where
they interact.
These regions should be explored using the 3-D Brain modeling component of the website.
Students will record the results of their search in the appropriate section(s) of their worksheet
and answer the concluding questions.
Resources
 Genes 2 Cognition website: http://www.g2conline.org
Acknowledgments
These teacher notes and resources were produced by Chris Eurich.