The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR): a comprehensive database and web-based information retrieval, analysis, and visualization system for a model plant

Arabidopsis thaliana, a small annual plant belonging to the mustard family, is the subject of study by an estimated 7000 researchers around the world. In addition to the large body of genetic, physiological and biochemical da ta gathered for this plant, it will be the first higher plant genome to be completely sequenced, with completion expected at the end of the year 2000. The sequencing effort has been coordinated by an international collaborati on, the Arabidopsis Genome initiative (AGI). The rationale for intensive in vestigation of Arabidopsis is that it is an excellent model for higher plan ts. in order to maximize use of the knowledge gained about this plant, ther e is a need for a comprehensive database and information retrieval and anal ysis system that will provide user-friendly access to Arabidopsis informati on. This paper describes the initial steps we have taken toward realizing t hese goals in a project called The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) (www.arabidopsis.org).