What is the PDB database and what information does it contain?

The PDB (Protein Data Bank) is the primary global repository for experimentally determined 3D structures of biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes). It contains atomic coordinates determined by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Each entry includes: 3D coordinates, experimental method and resolution, sequence information, ligand binding information, and literature references. The PDB is essential for structural biology, drug design, and understanding protein function. It is maintained by the wwPDB consortium with access through RCSB PDB, PDBe, and PDBj.