A comprehensive datamodel for karyological databases

Abstract

A project-independent data model for the entire range of karyological information provides a comprehensive picture of all data items presently used in karyological research and characterizes their logical inter-relation. It is presented in the form of a hierarchical decomposition of the subject matter down to attribute-level data items. The applied analytical methods are relevant for the structuring of information in other branches of biology. Only sporadic and inconsistent efforts have previously been made to make the huge amount of available karyological information accessible in electronic form. In the view of growing demand for the availability of scientific data on computer networks, further attempts are to be expected presently. The present data model provides a framework for the design of individual databases and ensures compatibility of the resulting datasets.