RAST

"RAST (Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology) is a software tool that provides a fully automated annotation service for bacterial and archaeal genomes. The tool helps identify protein-encoding, rRNA, and tRNA genes, assigns functions to the genes, predicts which subsystems are represented in the genome, uses this information to reconstruct the metabolic network, and makes the output easily downloadable for the user.

One of the most significant benefits of 'RAST' is that it provides an environment that supports comparative analysis with the annotated genomes maintained in the SEED environment. This feature makes it easier for the user to browse the annotated genome and compare it with other genomes. Additionally, the service normally makes the annotated genome available within 12-24 hours of submission, which makes it a time-efficient tool.

The accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the produced annotations are important factors, and 'RAST' attempts to address these issues. The quality of such a service is judged based on these factors, and plans for incrementally enhancing the service are being discussed.

By providing accurate, rapid annotation freely to the community, 'RAST' has created an important community resource.