Question

Which of the following is a secondary database?
A) SWISSPROT
B) NCBI
C) OMIM
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: A primary database is one that makes information available to the public. The secondary databases take this information on sequences to then add layers to the existing DNA sequence and protein sequence data.

Complete answer:
SWISS PROT is a protein sequence database. Annotations in the database provide all the information regarding the structure and function of a particular protein along with its functions and modifications if any. The data is all primary and easily accessible. Option A is not correct.

The National Centre for Biotechnology Information or NCBI database is a primary database where the information regarding nucleotide or genome sequences can be deposited for easy availability. It is thus a primary database. Option B is not correct. There isn’t much analysis of the data.

The OMIM or Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database collects information regarding inherited medical conditions. Each entry in this database is linked to other databases and includes the summary of a genetically determined phenotype or the gene for that condition. It therefore provides overviews of disorders which have been obtained from primary databases, information for which is updated daily. OMIM is a secondary database. Option C is correct.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(C)

Note: SWISS PROT and NCBI thus are centres where information is stored and linked to related information. There is no analysis of the available data. However, with OMIM the data between the gene sequences, proteins produced, disorders, functions, and so on, has all been collated and analysed such that the relationships between genotypes and phenotypes is understood.