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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Mar 16, 2004 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
TIGR's Genome Projects are a collection of curated databases containing DNA and protein sequence, gene expression, cellular role, protein family, and taxonomic data for microbes, fungi, plants and humans. |
| Learning Goals: |
To allow exploration of data generated by gene sequencing projects to the scientific community |
| Target Student Population: |
Upper level undergraduates and graduate students or professional |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Completion of introductory majors molecular biology or microbiologyP> |
| Type of Material: |
Database |
| Recommended Uses: |
As a reference. Undergraduates would need a tutorial or directed exercise so that they don?t get lost in the extensive resources available |
| Technical Requirements: |
Html |
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| Strengths: |
- This site provides access to a wealth of information on sequenced genomes..
- Current and complete ? over 70 microbial genomes available including those sequenced at other laboratories
- Genome overviews and detailed analyses options are extensive
- Consistency of annotations accompanying each genome makes for easy comparisons
- Contains links to programs used to analyze genomic data.
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| Concerns: |
None |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:     |
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| Strengths: |
- Can query database to mine the genome data providing access to a research experience
- With appropriate assignment, the student can appreciate the functions/characteristics of an organism as it relates to its genome
- Contains some explanation of the methods used to collect and analyze the data
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| Concerns: |
- Some background may be lacking for both instructor and student to understand many of the available options
- While it is possible to write assignments based upond this data, none are available on the site. An instructor would require an in depth knowledge of genomics to create such exercises.
- This is probably a better research tool than a teaching tool for most classes
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
- Well organized, current and concise.
- The General CMR Information links including ?First Time on CMR? and ?What?s New? help orient the user to the site
- Menu bar and Genome page access are easy to navigate between organisms
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| Concerns: |
- This is an extremely rich site that may overwhelm the student if sufficient direction is not provided
- While many species are represented on the first page, they are not in any particular order. An instructor would need to be very specific in where they send students on this site, browsing is not recommended.
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