How can I define a standard lane for my reference system? What is the function of a standard lane?
In BioNumerics (and GelCompar II), a "Standard" is not absolutely necessary. A Reference System is fully defined by the Reference positions and their names. A standard is only useful to help achieving the correct alignment in the normalization process:
- It will show up left from the reference positions and the gel to normalize, which makes visual inspection of aligned bands easier;
- It makes two additional automatic normalization methods possible: Normalization > Auto assign using standard (bands) and Normalization > Auto assign using standard (curves)
Both methods are based upon the profile of the defined standard, while the former uses its bands and the latter uses its densitometric curve. They are usually more accurate than the other method (Normalization > Auto assign (bands)).
To define a standard, open the reference system by double-clicking on the fingerprint type in the experiment type window. Now drag the arrow (grey) of 'Standard' to an entry in the database while holding the left mouse button down. Be aware that this particular experiment should be defined for that particular entry: a green dot must be present next to the entry for this fingerprint type. Then release the left mouse button. The arrow of 'Standard' should now color purple and the database entry should appear below 'Standard' in the window of the reference system.