GenBank is a database of DNA sequence data. It contains data generated by the Human Genome Projectand many other research efforts. Although data on human DNA predominates, GenBank contains records on DNA from thousands of different species. DNA sequence data is added to GenBank by researchers and from other on-line databases and resources. The data in GenBank is updated on a daily basis.

GenBank records contain data on DNA segments ranging from the nucleotide base sequence to the complete taxonomic classification scheme of the source organism. Data is retrieved through the use of a multi-featured query form that allows the user to, among other things, limit searches to specific GenBank data fields (keywords, author, journal, etc.). Each GenBank entry is assigned a specific accession number that will permit the user to access a specific entry directly.

GenBank entries are recognized as valid data types by a number of DNA analysis programs (i.e. BLAST, Vector NTI Viewer ). Often, GenBank data can be submitted to such programs for analysis by simply using the GenBank accession number.


GenBank was created and is maintained by the National Institutes of Health . It is based at the National Center for Biotechnology Information , a division of the National Library of Medicine . The Waksman Challenge is in no way responsible for the creation or maintenance of the GenBank database.


The GenBank database is the subject of an extensive tutorial on this website called the GenBank Reference . More elaborate aid on the use of the GenBank database can be found there.