Working with source data files

Previous  Top  Next

WinQTLCart's source data files have a .MCD extension. A .MCD file is a text file that adheres to a specific format that includes all the information WinQTLCart needs for QTL mapping analysis.

When you open a source data file, WinQTLCart verifies the file's formatting and displays its basic information in the Main window's Form pane.

Note	Although you can open other text and result files in WinQTLCart, only .MCD file information is displayed in the Form pane. WinQTLCart will continue showing the last .MCD file you viewed in the Form pane, even if you open or switch to text or result files.

The Summary Information box tells you the basics on the selected source data file. From here, you can go ahead and select an analysis method, if you wish.

However, the form's buttons and pull-down lists let you look at the source data file in more detail and also perform the following actions:

·

Markers... button:    View/edit marker genotype data for each chromosome in the current source file

·

Trait View... button:    View/edit trait values in the current source file

·

OTrait View... button:   View/edit other trait values in the current source file

·

Basic Info... button:    View/edit basic information in the current source file

·

Individual... button:    View/add/delete individuals in the current source file

·

Chromosome... button:   View/add/delete chromosomes or markers in the current source file

·

Trait... button:       View/add/delete trait values in the current source file

·

OTrait... button:      View/add/delete other traits (categorical traits) in the current source file

You may find that you need to add, edit, or delete data due to import errors. Some errors can be caused by mistaking cross data for map data, and vice versa.

WinQTLCart's tools for editing chromosome, marker, trait, and other trait information offer a safer and more organized approach than if you were to do the same thing by hand in a text editor. If you need to alter the source data's information in any way, it is highly recommended you use WinQTLCart.