Strain Database

Table Description

Barrick lab strains are stored in a MySQL database, accessible after login or by this direct link External site.

column example description
strain REL Initials of strain designation
number 606 Number of strain designation
freezer Barrick 1 Freezer where sample is located. Choose from list.
rack Barrick 3 Rack where sample is located. Should be in format: [last name] [number]
box Barrick 4 Rack where sample is located. Should be in format: [last name] [number]
container 2 ml glass vial Type of container used to freeze sample. Choose from list.
well   Well number for samples frozen in microplates.
experiment LTEE Sample experiment. Choose from list.
population   Sample population in experiment.)
time 0 Sample time point in experiment.
M/C C Mixed population or Clone sample
clone   Designation of particular clone. Either a number or a letter.
description Ara– ancestor clone used to begin the long-term experiment. Full description of the strain. Include information about what strain it is derived from and whether this sample has been subcultured from different samples.
media DM1000 Media strain was grown in for freezing.
cryoprotectant Glycerol Choose from list.
source REL Stock center or other lab strain is from.
frozen 2002-08-17 Date when sample was frozen.

Important Points

  • In population names, use the minus sign "–" character, rather than a hyphen "-" (option-hyphen on Mac). These must be entered consistently for searching to work.
    • e.g. Ara–3 NOT Ara-3

Backing up the database

Periodically and before doing any complex SQL operations, backup the database.

In phpMyAdmin, select the "strain" table from the "lab" database. Then click on "Operations". In the "Copy table to" box select the "backup" database and name the new table "strain_YYYY_MM_DD", e.g. "strain_2011-05-31". Be sure the "structure and data" button is selected. Hit "go".

Batch Editing

You can use MySQL commands by clicking on the SQL tab in phpMyAdmin.

Set up a SELECT statement that retrieves the items you want to change.

SELECT * 
FROM  `strain_5-31-11` 
WHERE  `strain` LIKE  'JEB'
AND  `number` >=622
AND  `number` <=702
AND  `freezer` =  'Barrick 1'

If you need to change multiple items at once, use something like following UPDATE statement.

UPDATE `strain` 
SET `rack` = 'Barrick 1', `box` = 'Barrick 3'
WHERE  `strain` LIKE  'JEB'
AND  `number` >=622
AND  `number` <=702
AND  `freezer` =  'Barrick 1'


This topic: Lab > WebHome > ProtocolList > ProtocolsStrainDatabase
Topic revision: r5 - 2011-06-06 - JeffreyBarrick