MassBank

Definition

MassBank is a public repository of mass spectrometry data specifically designed for metabolite identification, which provides a comprehensive and freely accessible database for researchers to reference during their analysis. It serves as an essential resource for the metabolomics community, allowing users to compare their experimental data against a vast library of known metabolites, thus facilitating accurate identification and characterization. This system has been pivotal in the evolution of metabolomics as it promotes standardized data sharing and collaboration among scientists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MassBank is a collaborative effort involving multiple research institutions aimed at compiling mass spectrometry data from various sources.
2. The database allows users to search for metabolites based on their mass spectra, aiding in the identification process by providing spectral information.
3. MassBank supports various types of mass spectrometry data formats, making it versatile for different analytical platforms.
4. Users can submit their own experimental mass spectra to MassBank, contributing to the growth and richness of the database.
5. The availability of MassBank has significantly accelerated the pace of research in metabolomics by enabling easier access to critical identification resources.

Review Questions

• How does MassBank enhance the process of metabolite identification in metabolomics research?
  • MassBank enhances metabolite identification by providing a centralized repository of mass spectrometry data that researchers can use to compare their experimental results. By accessing a vast library of known metabolites and their corresponding mass spectra, scientists can more accurately identify compounds present in their samples. This accessibility reduces the time required for analysis and helps ensure that identifications are based on standardized data.
• Discuss the role of MassBank in promoting collaboration within the metabolomics community.
  • MassBank plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among researchers in the metabolomics field by acting as a shared resource where scientists can access and contribute mass spectrometry data. This collaborative environment encourages data sharing and standardization, helping researchers build on each other's findings. The ability for users to submit their own data further enriches the database and promotes open science practices, leading to advancements in metabolomics research.
• Evaluate the impact of MassBank on the historical development of metabolomics as a discipline.
  • MassBank has significantly influenced the historical development of metabolomics by providing an essential framework for data sharing and identification that was previously lacking. By facilitating standardized access to mass spectrometry data, it has enabled researchers to validate findings across different studies, enhancing reproducibility and trust in results. This shift towards collaborative research has helped establish metabolomics as a recognized discipline within systems biology, driving forward innovations in areas such as biomarker discovery and personalized medicine.

Related terms

Metabolomics: The scientific study of chemical processes involving metabolites, which are small molecules produced during metabolism.

Mass Spectrometry: An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, commonly employed in the identification of compounds in complex mixtures.

Database: A structured collection of data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated, serving as a critical tool for storing information such as metabolite profiles.