Review
of SGD
Title:
Saccharomyces Genome Database
(SGD)
URL:
http://www.yeastgenome.org/
Date
Reviewed:
Description:
SGD
is an organized collection of genetic and molecular biological information for
S.cerevisiae (budding yeast). Its contents include:
˙
Sequences
of genes and proteins
˙
Descriptions
and classifications of genes/proteins
˙
Links
to literature
˙
Links
to functional genomics datasets
˙
Tools
for analysis and comparison of sequences
The
locus page for each gene contains the essential information,
including:
˙
gene
name, synonyms, and systematic name
˙
Gene
Ontology (GO) annotations
˙
descriptions
of the gene and gene product
˙
phenotype
of mutations in the gene
˙
chromosomal
coordinates and genetic mapping information
˙
interactive
graphical chromosome map
˙
a
curated collection of literature
˙
tools
for retrieval and analysis of the gene and protein sequences
˙
a
protein information page displaying the basic physical properties of the protein
˙
tools
for retrieval of chromosomal and genetic maps in the region of the locus
˙
tools
for comparison of the protein sequence to proteins of other budding yeast
species, C. elegans, and mammals (see below)
˙
links
to three SGD global search tools
Strengths:
This
database is very comprehensive. It has integrated genetic information as well as
links leading you to other useful databases. To search a gene, you only need
know the name (even less than that), and you can get a productive feedback,
including sequence, locus, function, struction, reference, interacting proteins
and so on. The databases for interacting proteins may help to save labor to do
fishing experiments.
Gene
Ontology (GO) annotation uses the same jargon for function, process and
component of genes. So genes can be group by their
annotations.
Weaknesses:
Do
not have a listing for mutant alleles.
Comprehensiveness:
Excellent.
Timeliness:
SGD
seems to be updated every month and the previous one is on May
12.
Ease
of Use:
Good,
but I donít know how to use functional analysis tools.
Responsiveness:
The
website is fast. I havenít met any webpage failure.
Similar
or Related Sites:
Flybase
Mouse
Genome Informatics (MGI)
These
three databases share the same Gene Ontology (GO)
annotation.
Overall
Evaluation:
1 to 5 stars
5