What is the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB)?


Answer: The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) is a database that provides a wealth of information about the 3D structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and other macromolecules. The database contains experimentally determined atomic coordinates for a large number of macromolecules, which can be used to study their structures, functions, and interactions. The RCSB PDB is widely used in genomics research and drug discovery, as it provides a valuable resource for understanding the structural basis of many biological processes and for designing new drugs that target specific macromolecules.

In addition to the atomic coordinates, the RCSB PDB contains a wealth of additional information about each macromolecule, including experimental methods used for structure determination, citations to relevant scientific literature, and information about biological function, sequence, and homology. The database also provides a variety of tools and resources for visualizing, analyzing, and downloading structural data, including a web-based viewer that allows users to interactively explore the 3D structures of macromolecules.