PubChem

Definition

PubChem is a free chemical database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) that provides information on the biological activities of small molecules. It serves as a crucial resource for researchers involved in metabolomics and systems biology, allowing them to identify metabolites and gain insights into their structures, properties, and biological functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PubChem contains over 100 million chemical compounds and provides a vast amount of information about their properties, including molecular weights, structures, and biological activities.
2. The database allows users to search for compounds using various identifiers such as CAS numbers, molecular formulas, or by drawing chemical structures directly.
3. PubChem includes data from multiple sources, including scientific literature, patent information, and contributions from researchers worldwide, ensuring that the information is comprehensive and up-to-date.
4. The database offers tools to visualize chemical structures, compare compounds, and analyze bioactivity data, making it easier for researchers to identify potential metabolites of interest.
5. PubChem also provides links to related databases and resources, such as ChEMBL and DrugBank, enhancing its utility as a central hub for chemical information.

Review Questions

• How does PubChem facilitate the identification of metabolites in metabolomics research?
  • PubChem facilitates the identification of metabolites by providing a comprehensive database of chemical compounds with detailed information about their structures and properties. Researchers can use various search methods to find specific metabolites based on identifiers like CAS numbers or molecular formulas. This access to rich chemical data enables scientists to link identified metabolites with their biological roles and functions within metabolic pathways.
• Discuss the advantages of using PubChem compared to other chemical databases for studying bioactive compounds.
  • Using PubChem offers several advantages over other chemical databases for studying bioactive compounds. Its extensive collection of over 100 million chemical entities provides a broad scope for research. Additionally, PubChem's integration of data from multiple sources ensures that users have access to reliable and current information. The platform's user-friendly tools for visualizing structures and analyzing bioactivity data further enhance its usability for researchers aiming to explore the relationship between chemical properties and biological activities.
• Evaluate the impact of PubChem on the field of metabolomics and its role in advancing scientific research.
  • PubChem has significantly impacted the field of metabolomics by providing a centralized resource for identifying and analyzing metabolites. Its extensive database enables researchers to quickly access vital information about chemical compounds, which aids in understanding metabolic pathways and disease mechanisms. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of PubChem encourages contributions from the scientific community, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing that ultimately drives advancements in research areas like drug discovery and personalized medicine.

Related terms

Chemical Structure: The arrangement of atoms within a molecule, which determines its properties and behavior.

Metabolite: A small molecule produced during metabolism, which can serve as an indicator of biological processes and pathways.

Bioactivity: The effect of a substance on living organisms, often used to describe how small molecules interact with biological systems.