The RCSB PDB and the Power of
Biological Macromolecules
The RCSB PDB enables vital research and study of biology at the
biomolecular level.
The resource is powered by the data contained in the Protein
Data Bank archive1-3–information about the 3D shapes of
proteins, nucleic acids, and complex assemblies. These structures
help researchers understand all aspects of biomedicine and
agriculture, from protein synthesis to health and disease to
biological energy.
As a member of the wwPDB, the RCSB PDB maintains the PDB
archive of biomolecules determined from experiments in X-ray
crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron
microscopy (EM). From around the world, scientists determine
the atomic arrangements of these molecules, and submit data
about their experiments to the PDB. This information is
processed, validated, annotated, and made publicly and freely
available by the wwPDB.
The RCSB PDB builds upon the data by creating tools and
educational materials used by researchers, teachers, and students
interested in molecular biology, structural biology, computational
biology, and beyond. The online RCSB PDB provides
access to curated and integrated biological macromolecular
information in the context of function, biological processes,
evolution, pathways, and disease states.
The annotation and dissemination of PDB data is enhanced by
the RCSB PDB’s targeted education and outreach activities.