454RunTimeMetricsAll.txt comprehension

[Splinter479]

Hi,
currently I am parsing some information from the 454RunTimeMetricsAll.txt.
My problem is basicly to understand the layout of the file related to the actual system workflow of the 454.

The file looks like:

region [1-8](
                 key(
                        sequence(...
                                ... many accuracy values
                                ...
                                )
 
                        sequence(...
                                 ...
                                )
                        )

                  key(...)

                  key(...)

              )

I need to know what are these regions, keys and sequences related to the "biology". Seems like my biology knowledge is not as good as my IT

Thank you!

[flxlex]

Regions: a 454 picotiterplate can be divided into 2, 4, 8 or 16 lanes = regions.
key: the first four bases of each read indicate whether the read was from a sample bead, or a (spike-in) control bead (usually very few reads are control bead reads)
sequence: for control beads only, metrics for each of the sequences in the control dataset (or for 'all' combined)

The shortest set of metrics - usually for many more reads - are the real sample reads.

So, not much biology... :-)