Data Base Management for a Recombinant DNA Bank

Abstract

This paper outlines a system for data base management of a recombinant DNA bank that achieves three goals. First, it establishes a unique definition for each genetic element cloned in the laboratory; second, it documents precisely the construction of each hybrid molecule; and third, it establishes computerized data files that allow for retrieval of information by one or multiple parameters. Programs have been written in SAS. The first program produces a report that lists all recombinant molecules in the data base and their ordered genetic components, sorted by element names. The second program produces a report comprised of complete information for each recombinant molecule in the data base. A final program provides the capacity to rapidly select, at the terminal, molecules that satisfy user-specified criteria. Use of the system requires no previous programming experience, and is therefore easily and readily accessible to all members of a laboratory. The programs can be easily modified to suit the needs of different laboratories.