UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot

Definition

UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot is a manually curated protein sequence database that provides a comprehensive and high-quality resource for protein information, including function, structure, and post-translational modifications. It plays a vital role in bioinformatics by offering reliable data that researchers can use for various applications, from genomic studies to drug discovery. The emphasis on curation ensures that the entries are accurate and well-annotated, making it an essential tool in molecular biology research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot is one half of the UniProt Knowledgebase; the other half is UniProtKB/TrEMBL, which contains automated annotations.
2. Entries in Swiss-Prot are reviewed and annotated by expert curators, ensuring a high level of data quality and reliability.
3. Swiss-Prot includes various types of information such as protein sequences, functional annotations, cross-references to other databases, and information on post-translational modifications.
4. The database supports researchers in understanding protein function and interactions, aiding in experiments related to drug development and disease research.
5. UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot is regularly updated to incorporate new discoveries, with thousands of new entries added each year as research progresses.

Review Questions

• How does the manual curation of UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot enhance its reliability compared to automated databases?
  • The manual curation of UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot involves expert scientists who review and annotate protein entries, ensuring the accuracy of the information. This process contrasts with automated databases where entries may be generated without human oversight. By focusing on quality control and providing detailed annotations, Swiss-Prot serves as a trusted resource for researchers who rely on precise protein data for their studies.
• Discuss the importance of cross-references within the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database and how they support bioinformatics research.
  • Cross-references within UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot link protein entries to other relevant biological databases such as GenBank, PDB, and Reactome. This interconnectedness allows researchers to access comprehensive information about proteins from various perspectives, enhancing the depth of their analyses. By utilizing these links, scientists can explore related data on gene functions, structures, pathways, and interactions, facilitating a more holistic understanding of biological processes.
• Evaluate the impact of continuous updates to the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database on molecular biology research and biotechnology advancements.
  • The continuous updates to UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot ensure that it reflects the latest discoveries in protein science and molecular biology. As new proteins are discovered or existing knowledge is refined, researchers gain access to current data that can inform experimental design and hypothesis generation. This dynamic nature of the database not only accelerates scientific discoveries but also fosters innovation in biotechnology applications by providing up-to-date information essential for drug development and disease treatment strategies.

Related terms

Protein Ontology: A structured representation of the relationships between proteins, their functions, and their interactions within biological systems.

Sequence Alignment: A method used to arrange sequences of DNA, RNA, or protein to identify similarities and differences, often used in evolutionary biology and functional studies.

Gene Ontology:

A framework for the model of biology that relates to gene functions across different species through standardized terminology.