Data deposition and annotation at the worldwide protein data bank.

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the repository for the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, determined by experimental methods. The data in the archive are free and easily available via the Internet from any of the worldwide centers managing this global archive. These data are used by scientists, researchers, bioinformatics specialists, educators, students, and lay audiences to understand biological phenomena at a molecular level. Analysis of these structural data also inspires and facilitates new discoveries in science. This chapter describes the tools and methods currently used for deposition, processing, and release of data in the PDB. References to future enhancements are also included.