Arabidopsis Information Resource

The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) is a comprehensive, online database and research tool designed to provide a wide range of information on the biology of the Arabidopsis thaliana plant. Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant, is widely used as a model organism in plant biology and genetics due to its relatively simple genome, short life cycle, and ease of cultivation and genetic manipulation. TAIR collects, organizes, and distributes a vast array of data related to Arabidopsis research, including genomic sequences, gene function, mutant phenotypes, and literature references.

Overview

TAIR is an essential resource for scientists and researchers working in plant biology, genetics, and related fields. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to search and access a variety of data types, including but not limited to:

• Genomic Sequence data
• Gene Expression profiles
• Protein Function and interaction data
• Mutant Phenotypes
• Molecular Markers
• Bibliographic References

The database is maintained and updated regularly to ensure that it remains a current and valuable resource for the Arabidopsis research community.

History

TAIR was established in the late 1990s as part of an initiative to support the growing Arabidopsis research community. It was initially funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and has since received support from various other sources. Over the years, TAIR has evolved to become one of the most comprehensive and widely used plant databases in the world.

Features

TAIR provides several key features to support research in Arabidopsis biology:

• Search Tools: Advanced search tools allow users to query the database using various criteria, such as gene name, sequence, or phenotype.
• Genome Browser: A graphical interface that displays the Arabidopsis genome, allowing users to visualize gene locations, annotations, and other genomic elements.
• Community Annotations: TAIR supports community contributions, allowing researchers to add their annotations and findings to the database.
• Data Submission: Researchers can submit their data to TAIR, contributing to the growth and richness of the database.

Access and Use

TAIR is freely accessible to the academic community and the public, promoting open access to scientific information. Users can access the database through its website, where they can also find tutorials and support for navigating and utilizing the database effectively.

Impact

TAIR has had a significant impact on plant biology research, facilitating discoveries in gene function, molecular pathways, and the genetic basis of plant development and disease resistance. By providing a centralized resource for Arabidopsis data, TAIR has helped to accelerate research and foster collaboration within the plant science community.

Future Directions

The future of TAIR includes ongoing updates and improvements to its database and tools, integration with other plant databases and bioinformatics resources, and continued support for the Arabidopsis research community. As plant biology research advances, TAIR will continue to play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and supporting innovative research in the field.