Review of Ensembl Genome Server
Title: Ensembl Genome Server
URL:
http://www.ensembl.org/index.html
Date Reviewed: 05/04/06
Description:
The Ensembl
(http://www.ensembl.org/) project provides
a comprehensive and integrated source of annotation of large genome sequences
with free access. The project is primarily funded by the Wellcome
Trust. Ensembl
annotates known genes and predicts new ones, with functional annotation from InterPro, OMIM,
SAGE
and gene families. It presents up-to-date sequence data and the best possible
automatic annotation for eukaryotic genomes. Available now are human,
mouse,
rat,
pufferfish,
zebrafish,
and mosquito.
Over the last year the number of genomes available from the Ensembl site has
increased by 7 to 16, with the addition of the six vertebrate genomes of
chimpanzee, dog, cow, chicken, tetraodon and frog and the insect genome of
honeybee. The current version is v38.Ensembl provides easy access to sequence
data and predicts structure and location in the genome sequence for known and
novel genes. Searching is possible through a wide variety of ways including text
searches, sequence or location and sets of pre-defined filters. Individual chromosomes
may be browsed and a vast array of data displays are provided. Data mining, blast
searches and comparative genomic and proteomic searches are also enabled.
Strengths: Comprehensive and user friendly interface.
The ëHelpí page is a great resource.
Weaknesses: Massive in scope, ordinary users should get
familiar with a few features the use frequently for their research.
Comprehensiveness: Extensive
Timeliness: Every month
Ease of Use: Not immediately intuitive and requires a
reasonable degree of persistence
Responsiveness: Data displays can be slow in
loading.
Similar or Related Sites: UCSC
Genome Bioinformatics
Overall Evaluation: * * * * * (1 to 5 stars)
Reviewer: Madhumathi Rao