WormBase is a valuable web-based resource for understanding the genetics and biology of C. elegans and other nematodes. The IPA phonetic transcription for WormBase is /wɔrmbeɪs/. The 'w' is pronounced as a voiced bilabial consonant, 'ɔ' is an open-mid back vowel, 'r' is an alveolar approximant, 'm' is a bilabial nasal, 'b' is a voiced bilabial plosive, 'eɪ' is a diphthong consisting of an open front unrounded vowel followed by a close mid-front vowel, and 's' is an unvoiced alveolar fricative. The spelling of the word WormBase follows the conventions of standard English spelling.
WormBase is a comprehensive and extensively curated online biological database and research resource dedicated to the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, commonly known as the nematode or roundworm. It serves as a vital tool in the field of genetics and molecular biology, offering a centralized, easily accessible platform for researchers to access and analyze information pertaining to C. elegans and related nematodes.
Containing a vast array of high-quality, standardized data, WormBase encompasses a diverse range of fields, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional biology. It includes genome sequences, genomic annotations, gene expression data, protein information, and phenotypic descriptions, providing researchers with a comprehensive resource to investigate the biology and genetics of this important model organism.
WormBase also features a user-friendly interface that allows researchers to search and retrieve specific information, as well as analyze and compare data from multiple experiments and genomic studies. It supports advanced queries, data mining, and visualization tools, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of research in the C. elegans field.
Furthermore, WormBase plays a crucial role in promoting collaborative research and community engagement, facilitating the sharing of data, resources, and experimental findings among scientists worldwide. It has become an invaluable resource for researchers studying developmental biology, neurobiology, aging, gene regulation, and various other fields, aiding in the advancement of scientific knowledge and the discovery of novel insights into nematode biology and human health.
The term "WormBase" has a straightforward etymology. is derived from two components:
1. "Worm": Referring to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, commonly known as the roundworm. C. elegans has been extensively studied in the field of biology and genetics, primarily due to its simplicity and ease of lab handling. This worm serves as a model organism for various biological research, making it a significant subject of study.
2. "Base": A common term used in the context of biological databases. signifies a comprehensive collection of organized and interconnected data pertaining to a specific subject or organism. In other words, a "database" or "base" for the "worm" (C. elegans).
Combining these two terms, "WormBase" is a name given to the comprehensive biological database specifically devoted to the studies, genetics, and molecular biology of C. elegans.