February 1, 2005 (Vol. 25, No. 3)
URL:
http://www.cf.ac.uk/biosi/staff/ehrmann/tools/ecce/ecce.htm
Rating:
Strong Points: Well thought out
Weak Points: Narrowly focused
Summary:
Is it any surprise that E. coli, the most studied bacterial cell, also has the most specialized databases? The E. coli Cell Envelope Protein Data Collection provides researchers with access to yet another useful source of information. Membrane proteins are targeted for that portion of the cell by signal sequences in the polypeptide chain. The site provides visitors with a list of the 452 signal sequences in E. coli cell envelope proteins, as well as a listing of proteins sorted by location in the inner membrane, outer membrane, or periplasm. One can sort enzymes by size and also by functionality. The designers seem to have considered every possibility on this one. Though narrowly focused, it is a very useful site for E. coli researchers.