Database Annotation in Molecular Biology: Principles and PracticeISBN: 978-0-470-85681-9
Hardcover
288 pages
January 2005
|
Two factors dominate current molecular biology: the amount of raw
data is increasing very rapidly and successful applications in
biomedical research require carefully curated and annotated
databases. The quality of the experimental data -- especially
nucleic acid sequences -- is satisfactory; however, annotations
depend on features inferred from the data rather than measured
directly, for instance the identification of genes in genome
sequences. It is essential that these inferences are as accurate as
possible and this requires human intervention.
With the recognition of the importance of accurate database annotation and the requirement for individuals with particular constellations of skills to carry it out, annotators are emerging as specialists within the profession of bioinformatics. This book compiles information about annotation -- its current status, what is required to improve it, what skills must be brought to bear on database curation and hence what is the proper training for annotators.
The book should be essential reading for all people working on biological databases, both biologists and computer scientists. It will also be of interest to all users of such databases, including molecular biologists, geneticists, protein chemists, clinicians and drug developers.
With the recognition of the importance of accurate database annotation and the requirement for individuals with particular constellations of skills to carry it out, annotators are emerging as specialists within the profession of bioinformatics. This book compiles information about annotation -- its current status, what is required to improve it, what skills must be brought to bear on database curation and hence what is the proper training for annotators.
The book should be essential reading for all people working on biological databases, both biologists and computer scientists. It will also be of interest to all users of such databases, including molecular biologists, geneticists, protein chemists, clinicians and drug developers.