The Dictyostelium discoideum strain AX4 genome sequence, assembly, and annotation displayed in Map Viewer (build 2.1) represents version 2.5 of the genome provided by the international Dictyostelium discoideum Sequencing Consortium and dictyBase. Due to the complexity of the approximately 34-Mb D. discoideum genome, each of the six chromosomes was individually cloned, shotgun sequenced, and assembled. In addition to the nuclear genome, D. discoideum has a 55-kb mitochondrial genome and several copies of extrachromosomal elements that contain the rDNA genes.

Map Viewer provides graphical displays of features on the D. discoideum genome sequence assembly. Map features that can be seen along the sequence include NCBI contigs, CpG islands, genes, RefSeq transcripts, ESTs, and UniGene clusters. You can find features of interest by submitting a query against the whole genome, or a chromosome at a time. Results are indicated in a tabular format. The results table includes links to a chromosome graphical view, where the feature can be seen in the context of additional data. Use the "Maps & Options" window, available on individual chromosome displays, to configure your display. Extensive documentation and tutorials are provided to describe the resource.

D. discoideum, a cellular slime mold, is a soil-living eukaryote that has both unicellular and multicellular life stages. Existing intially as single-celled, free-living amoebae, these can aggregate to form a multicellular organism that undergoes cell-type differentiation and morphogenesis. D. discoideum is a widely used model organism for studying cellular and developmental processes.

Available Documentation:

• NCBI Handbook: Map Viewer chapter - resource description
• NCBI Handbook: Map Viewer Exercises - tutorials and examples
• Map Viewer Help - details about navigation and customizing your display

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