Heatmap vs Volcano Plot

Question

[sb]

Using BRBarray tool, Heat maps and Volcano Plot are generated.Which is best in regarding information from Heatmap and Volcano plot

[Nicolas Rosewick]

could you clarify your question please.

[sb]

Can Volcano plot give same information as Heatmap? What is the information from Heat map? which is more useful data Heatmap or Volcano plot?

Answer 1

[WouterDeCoster]

A volcanoplot is showing you information on the gene level, by plotting LFC vs p-value. As such it shows the distribution and direction of the genes, without sample information (but group information in the LFC). A heatmap shows the expression on sample level, interesting in combination with hierarchical clustering. A p-value and LFC is not detectable, but differences between groups/samples and consistency is better visualized.

In my opinion, both tell an entire different story and it depends on what you want to show.