Abstract: The present invention provides relational database systems for storing biomolecular sequence information together with biological annotations detailing the source of the sequence information, and associated reagent information. The acquisition, storage and access of reagent information associated with databased biomolecular sequence information is a particular advantage of the present invention. Such reagent information identifies genetic information and materials which may be made available to a user of the relational database system of the present invention for further application in research, therapeutic pharmaceutical development or other fields. The reagent information aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with a biomolecular sequence relational database system.

Abstract: The present invention provides relational database systems for storing biomolecular sequence information together with biological annotations detailing the source of the sequence information, and associated reagent information. The acquisition, storage and access of reagent information associated with databased biomolecular sequence information is a particular advantage of the present invention. Such reagent information identifies genetic information and materials which may be made available to a user of the relational database system of the present invention for further application in research, therapeutic pharmaceutical development or other fields. The reagent information aspect of the present invention is preferably used in conjunction with a biomolecular sequence relational database system.

Abstract: A liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface.