Question:

Which database serves as the main archive for 3D macromolecular structures?

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3D structures of proteins, DNA, and RNA → stored in {Protein Data Bank (PDB)}
Updated On: Mar 15, 2026
  • GenBank
  • Protein Data Bank (PDB)
  • UniProt
  • EMBL
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Structural biology focuses on determining the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, and RNA. These structures are essential for understanding molecular function and interactions.
Step 1:Understanding structural databases.
Specialized databases store experimentally determined 3D structures of biological molecules.
Step 2:Protein Data Bank (PDB).
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the primary global archive that stores three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules determined using techniques such as:
  • X-ray crystallography
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
  • Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM)

Step 3:Importance of PDB.
Researchers use PDB data for:
  • Drug design
  • Protein structure prediction
  • Studying molecular interactions
  • Structural bioinformatics research
Conclusion:
Therefore, the main archive for 3D macromolecular structures is the Protein Data Bank (PDB).
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