Would you like to…
- easily plan and simulate your DNA manipulations?
- visualize ORFs, reading frames, and primer binding sites?
- automatically record the steps in a cloning project?
- share annotated sequence files with other researchers?
You can do all of this and more with SnapGene. The HSLS Molecular Biology Information Service now provides access to this popular molecular biology software, making it that much easier for Pitt researchers to easily perform in silico DNA analysis, molecular cloning, and PCR.
Here are just a few of the things SnapGene can do:
- In-Fusion Cloning: SnapGene is the first software to simulate Clontech’s versatile method for creating seamless gene fusions. Just select the DNA fragments to fuse, and SnapGene will design the primers.
- Gibson Assembly: This technique joins PCR amplified DNA segments to create overlapping ends and inserts fragments into a plasmid without the use of restriction enzymes. SnapGene simplifies the process by automating primer design.
- Automatic Documentation: Each procedure is automatically logged in a graphical history and ready to use as an experimental protocol. All ancestor constructs are embedded in the final file, and can be resurrected separately.
- Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Restriction fragments are displayed in three formats: simulated gel, numerical list, and sequence map.
- Primers: Revolutionary tools using rigorous thermodynamic algorithms calculate melting temperatures and duplex alignments.
- Large Sequences: Large sequences with thousands of annotated features, including chromosome-sized, are browsable thanks to a proprietary MICA algorithm.
- Versatile Data Import/Export: Supported formats include ApE, Lasergene, Gene Construction Kit, GenBank, MacVector, VNTI, and more.
Register for SnapGene and check out the tutorial videos. The user guide offers extensive lessons ranging from searching and colors, to enzymes and restriction cloning & linear ligation. The FAQs also provide support related to files, features, primers, and more. Contact the HSLS Molecular Biology Information Service with any additional questions.
*Parts of this article were derived from the SnapGene website.
~ Carrie Iwema