The Brassica/Arabidopsis Comparative Genome Browser A Novel Approach to Genome Browsing

The Brassica/Arabidopsis Comparative Genome Browser A Novel Approach to Genome Browsing

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) has enabled a visually appealing, browser-based application for the display of Brassica sequences relative to Arabidopsis thaliana, and there are currently more than 70,000 B. napus Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) displayed. The client side of this browser is based on a Custom Graphical User Interface (CGUI) library which uses SVG, a new web graphics standard, to provide windowing functionality inside the web browser. This windowing functionality, combined with asynchronous data retrieval and client side rendering overcomes two of the key technology imposed drawbacks of current web based browsers: Fixed displays and frequent page reloads. The end result is an intuitive and enjoyable browsing experience. The browser is accessible online from the Brassica / Arabidopsis Genomics Initiative (http://brassica.agr.gc.ca). Inquiries about the browser should be directed to LewisCT@agr.gc.ca.