Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
05:55
High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Published on: June 16, 2018
MaizeGDB: curation and outreach go hand-in-hand
Mary L Schaeffer1, Lisa C Harper, Jack M Gardiner
1USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit and Division of Plant Sciences, Department of Agronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. mary.schaeffer@ars.usda.gov
Summary
MaizeGDB, a key resource for maize genetics and genomics, has evolved to integrate new genomic data. It relies on community input for data curation and future development to support maize genome annotation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Science
Background:
- MaizeGDB, established in 1991, has been a central repository for maize genetics and genomics data.
- The database has adapted to incorporate the reference maize genome sequence and diverse genomic datasets.
- The MaizeGDB Team operates with a small staff, emphasizing community collaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe MaizeGDB's current community interaction model.
- To outline future strategies for community engagement.
- To support the ongoing functional and structural annotation of the B73 maize reference genome.
Main Methods:
- Community-driven data submission and curation.
- Co-location of curators with maize research groups.
- Collaboration with the Maize Genetics Cooperation--Stock Center.
Main Results:
- MaizeGDB has successfully transitioned to accommodate large-scale genomic data.
- Community interaction is integral to MaizeGDB's operations and strategic planning.
- Established partnerships facilitate data sharing and resource accessibility.
Conclusions:
- Continued community engagement is crucial for MaizeGDB's sustained success.
- Future interactions will focus on enhancing maize genome annotation.
- MaizeGDB remains a vital, evolving resource for the maize research community.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
02:16Light Acquisition
In order to produce glucose, plants need to capture sufficient light energy. Many modern plants have evolved leaves specialized for light acquisition. Leaves can be only millimeters in width or tens of meters wide, depending on the environment. Due to competition for sunlight, evolution has driven the evolution of increasingly larger leaves and taller plants, to avoid shading by their neighbors with contaminant elaboration of root architecture and mechanisms to transport water and nutrients.
02:02Genomics
Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
01:59Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Crop cultivation has a long history in human civilization, with records showing the cultivation of cereal plants beginning at around 8000 BC. This early plant breeding was developed primarily to provide a steady supply of food.
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
01:11Genetic Lingo
Overview