Module 1
Variables
Give a name to a value.
Give a value a name
A variable is a name that points to a piece of stored information. Instead of repeating a value, you store it once and use its name.
A variable in memory
sequence
"ATGC"
stored value
The name "sequence" points to the stored text "ATGC".
PythonCreate a variable, then print it.
sequence = "ATGC" print(sequence)
→ ATGC
The = sign stores a value. We read it as: *store the value on the right under the name on the left.* It does NOT mean "equals" the way it does in math.
Biology connection
Storing a DNA sequence in a variable is the start of analyzing it. Later you'll compute its length, count bases, and even translate it into a protein — all by referring to the name.
PythonVariables can store protein sequences too.
protein = "MKWVTF" print(protein)
→ MKWVTF
Your task
Create a variable
- Create a variable named sequence with the value "ATGC".
- Then print sequence.
Remember
name = value stores a value under a name. The name is the variable, and later you use the name to reach the value.