A genome database is an organized collection of genetic information about one or more organisms, which can aid in scientific research. Bioinformatics is a field that uses computer systems to interpret biological data. Genomes are complex and contain billions of bases of sequence information, making computerized databases the only practical way to organize details. Genome databases contain the sequence of an organism’s genes, which can help identify particular genes and mutations. Each genome database is searchable and contains cross-referenced information and links to additional genetic information. Different organisms may have specific genomic databases, and various authorities control the different databases available.
A genome is a collection of all the genetic material present in an organism. Because the sequence and structure of this genetic material drives all biological life, scientists are keen to find out what they are used for. A genome database is a cross-referenced collection of information about one or more organisms, so that a scientist can look at all available genetic information to aid in their research.
Genomes are very complex and contain billions of bases of sequence information. Computerized databases, therefore, are the only practical way to organize details in one place. Generally, these are available as online databases for scientific research. A relatively new field of science called bioinformatics has arisen to refine the way biological data can be interpreted through computer systems.
Genome databases contain the sequence of an organism’s genes if the entire sequence is known. Otherwise, it may contain partial sequences. For example, the genomes of humans, mice and Drosophila flies have been sequenced. When the sequence of a genome is known, geneticists can identify particular genes in the genome. Each gene is the instruction sheet for a particular cell product.
If a gene has a mutation, it has a different sequence from the normal, functional gene. Mutations can be beneficial and produce a useful feature in the mutated organism. Furthermore they can be irrelevant for the product, or they can be harmful to the normal functioning of the organism. Many medical conditions, for example, are due to mutations in a particular gene.
Mutations can also be used to calculate how closely a particular species is related to another, as more mutations accumulate over time. Individuals can also vary in genome sequence, largely because large parts of the genome are not genes and do not code for any essential cellular products. A genome database contains a sequence of an organism designated as a standard, but there will be many minor differences between the arbitrarily chosen standard and other individuals of a species.
Despite the presence of many differences, genes are recognizable through sequences. If geneticists know what a particular gene does in one organism, then a gene with a similar sequence in another animal most likely performs the same function. Geneticists can use a genome database to identify a gene they are studying or to find out what the gene does.
Each genome database is searchable. Usually, scientists can search a database in several ways. Commonly, it can insert the sequence of a gene it has sequenced. Then, the database finds one or more similar sequences for comparison.
An easier way to search the database is to search for a gene keyword, such as the gene name. Authorities such as the US National Authority for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) can give sequences distinct reference numbers, and a geneticist can also search a genome database using one of these identifiers. He or she can also narrow the results using multiple search parameters. Cross-referenced information is a feature of most genome databases, and a single sequence result will also provide the database user with useful links to additional genetic information. In addition to information about a specific sequence, many databases provide a visual representation of the sequence and notable features of that area.
Different organisms may have specific genomic databases, but some larger databases contain more than one species. Various authorities control the different databases available, so all databases may use distinct formats and search capabilities. Some examples of these authorities include the NCBI, the European Bioinformatics Institute or even individual universities.
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