UniProt

Definition

UniProt is a comprehensive protein sequence and functional information database that provides a rich source of data for the scientific community. It aims to support the understanding of protein function, structure, and interactions by providing well-annotated protein sequences along with associated biological information. UniProt serves as a critical resource for studying protein sequences, predicting their functions, and understanding their folding mechanisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. UniProt is divided into three main sections: UniProtKB (the central repository of protein sequences), UniRef (a set of clustered sequences), and UniParc (a comprehensive archive of protein sequences).
2. The database is regularly updated to include new sequences and annotations as research advances in the field of proteomics.
3. UniProt provides tools for users to search and retrieve information based on various criteria, including protein name, function, or organism.
4. It supports cross-references to other databases like PDB for structural data, GO for gene ontology, and Ensembl for genomic data, enhancing the depth of information available.
5. UniProt also includes computational predictions about protein functions, which are critical for researchers studying novel or poorly characterized proteins.

Review Questions

• How does UniProt contribute to the understanding of protein functions in bioinformatics?
  • UniProt contributes significantly by providing a centralized database that contains detailed annotations of protein sequences. Researchers can access curated information about functions, interactions, and biological processes related to specific proteins. This information helps scientists hypothesize roles of proteins in various biological pathways and diseases, ultimately aiding in experimental design and analysis.
• Discuss the importance of annotation in UniProt and how it enhances the utility of the database for predicting protein functions.
  • Annotation in UniProt is crucial because it adds essential context to the raw protein sequence data. It encompasses details such as biochemical activity, involvement in metabolic pathways, and interactions with other molecules. By enhancing the utility of the database, accurate annotations allow researchers to make informed predictions about the functions of uncharacterized proteins, facilitating advancements in drug discovery and biotechnology.
• Evaluate the impact of UniProt on protein folding prediction methodologies and their applications in scientific research.
  • UniProt significantly impacts protein folding prediction methodologies by providing high-quality sequence data and structural insights necessary for modeling efforts. With its rich dataset, researchers can employ homology modeling techniques to predict how a given protein folds based on known structures. This capability not only aids in understanding protein stability and function but also has broad applications in drug design, as misfolded proteins are often linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's. Thus, UniProt serves as a foundational resource that enhances both theoretical and practical aspects of bioinformatics related to protein folding.

Related terms

Protein Sequence: The linear arrangement of amino acids in a protein, which determines its structure and function.

Annotation: The process of adding descriptive information to protein sequences, including functional details, structural features, and interactions.

Homology Modeling: A computational method used to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein based on its similarity to known structures of related proteins.