PROJECT FINAL REPORT


JULY 1996

The main goal of the NSF-sponsored Sequences, Sources, Taxa (SST) database project was to develop a prototype relational database to link molecular sequence data to voucher, specimen, and taxonomic information. These links are critical for using molecular markers in biological surveys and inventories, museum and research collections management, and research in molecular systematics and evolution. Existing public sequence databases do not accept or display detailed annotation regarding the source and collection information about the organisms from which sequences are obtained.

Because of its relational architecture, SST can be used to answer such queries as:
"How many different genes have been sequenced for members of the genus, Bufo, and where were the organisms collected?"

In the version of SST implemented on this Web site, the entry point into the database is through the Genus Finder. Several published studies and pre-publication data can be accessed currently. Click here for examples.

The version of SST represented on this Web site demonstrates one way in which the links between published molecular sequence data and related annotation can be displayed and linked electronically. SST is not currently being curated and is displayed here for demonstration purposes only.

The following individuals contributed to the development of the SST prototype:

Judy Blake, Co-PI
Carol Bult, Co-PI
Chris Fields, Co-PI
Anthony Kerlavage, Co-PI

Anna Glodek, Database engineer
Robert Shirley, Software engineer
Michael Heaney, Database administrator
Cheryl Gnehm, Database assistant
Lisa FitzGerald, Research scientist
Rebecca Clayton, Research scientist
Owen White, Research scientist