Accession number meaning

Accession number definitions

What is an Accession Number?

An accession number is a unique identifier assigned to a biological material, such as a DNA sequence, protein sequence, or cell line, in scientific research. This alphanumeric code helps researchers and scientists keep track of and organize different biological samples in databases and repositories.

Importance of Accession Numbers

Accession numbers are crucial for sharing and accessing scientific data and resources. They provide a standardized way to reference specific biological materials, making it easier for researchers to collaborate, verify results, and replicate experiments. Accession numbers also help in tracking the origins and history of biological samples.

Types of Accession Numbers

There are different types of accession numbers used in various fields of research. For example, in genomics, a DNA sequence may be assigned a GenBank accession number, while in protein databases, a protein sequence might have a UniProt accession number. Each database or repository has its unique format for generating accession numbers.

How to Use an Accession Number

When referencing a biological material in a publication or communication, it is essential to include its accession number. This allows other researchers to easily locate and verify the information cited. Accession numbers should be cited accurately to ensure the proper identification of the biological sample.

Searching for Accession Numbers

Researchers can search for accession numbers in various biological databases and repositories. Websites like GenBank, UniProt, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) provide tools for searching and retrieving accession numbers associated with specific biological materials.

Conclusion

In the world of scientific research, accession numbers play a vital role in organizing and sharing biological data. By providing a unique identifier for each sample, researchers can streamline collaboration, ensure data integrity, and facilitate the reproducibility of experiments. Next time you come across an accession number in a research paper, remember its significance in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Accession number Examples

1. The journal article is identified by its unique accession number.
2. Researchers can search the database using the accession number of a particular gene.
3. The museum catalog lists the artifacts with their corresponding accession numbers.
4. Students need to include the accession number in their citation for proper reference.
5. The librarian helped me locate the book using its accession number.
6. The accession number for the historical document is displayed next to its description.
7. To order a copy of the thesis, please provide the accession number to the library staff.
8. The specimen was properly labeled with its accession number for easy identification.
9. The conference proceedings can be accessed online with the provided accession number.
10. Each artwork in the museum collection is assigned a unique accession number.

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