Introduction
Biological databases are essential tools in bioinformatics. They help store, organize, and provide access to biological information like DNA sequences, protein structures, gene functions, and more. These databases are used by researchers and students to study genes, understand protein structures, and find connections between biological molecules and diseases. Below are five major biological databases that are widely used in bioinformatics research.
1. NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
NCBI is one of the largest and most widely used biological databases. It provides access to a wide range of data including gene sequences, proteins, structures, and scientific literature.
Roles:
- Hosts GenBank, a collection of publicly available DNA sequences
- Offers the BLAST tool for sequence alignment
- Provides access to PubMed for biomedical literature
- Maintains gene and protein databases with functional and structural information
Website: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. PDB (Protein Data Bank)
PDB is a database of 3D structures of proteins, DNA, RNA, and other biological macromolecules. It is used to study how molecules look and how they interact.
Roles:
- Stores three-dimensional structures obtained through X-ray crystallography, NMR, or cryo-electron microscopy
- Helps in drug design and understanding molecular functions
- Used in modeling and simulating protein behavior
Website: www.rcsb.org
3. UniProt (Universal Protein Resource)
UniProt is a central resource for protein sequences and functional information. It combines data from several protein databases into one comprehensive platform.
Roles:
- Provides high-quality protein sequence data
- Includes protein functions, structures, domains, pathways, and disease involvement
- Used for functional annotation and evolutionary studies
Website: www.uniprot.org
4. EMBL-EBI (European Molecular Biology Laboratory – European Bioinformatics Institute)
EMBL-EBI hosts several interconnected databases that cover genomics, proteomics, structural biology, and more. It works closely with other organizations to collect and maintain biological data.
Roles:
- Provides access to nucleotide sequence database ENA (European Nucleotide Archive)
- Offers bioinformatics tools for sequence alignment, visualization, and annotation
- Maintains databases like InterPro, Ensembl, and Reactome
Website: www.ebi.ac.uk
5. DDBJ (DNA Data Bank of Japan)
DDBJ is one of the three main international nucleotide sequence databases along with NCBI and EMBL. It contributes to the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC).
Roles:
- Collects and distributes DNA sequence data
- Shares data regularly with GenBank and EMBL-EBI
- Supports Japanese and international researchers
Website: www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp
Conclusion
Biological databases like NCBI, PDB, UniProt, EMBL-EBI, and DDBJ play a crucial role in bioinformatics research. They provide researchers with easy access to huge volumes of biological information. By using these databases, scientists can perform sequence comparisons, study protein structures, understand gene functions, and make new discoveries in biology, medicine, and genetics. Learning to use these databases is essential for students and professionals in the field of bioinformatics.