[Biopython-dev] PIR parsing

[Andrew Dalke]

Forgot to ask,

  What is the point of having both the "ref" and "dat" format
in PIR.

ref format example:

>P1;I52708
ELAV-like neuronal protein 1, truncated splice form - human
N;Alternate names: Drosophila ELAV(embryonic lethal, abnormal vision)-like
4; Hu a
ntigen D; paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis antigen
C;Species: Homo sapiens (man)

dat format example:

ENTRY           I52708  #type complete
TITLE           ELAV-like neuronal protein 1, truncated splice form - human
ALTERNATE_NAMES Drosophila ELAV(embryonic lethal, abnormal vision)-like 4;
                Hu antigen D; paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis antigen
ORGANISM        #formal_name Homo sapiens #common_name man


As far as I can tell, the ref format is easier to machine parse
than the dat one, and is more compact.  The dat format is easier
for a human to scan.  Also, the dat format contains the sequence
information while the ref one does not.

Can anyone here provide to me some background?

                    Andrew