Practical DNA technology in school— 2. Computer analysis of bacteriophage λ base sequence

Following the introduction of practical work in DNA technology to school science courses using the inexpensive DNA kits produced by Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS) and the National Centre for Biotechnology Education (NCBE), there is a need to expand the limited set of available protocols. This paper describes a computer simulation for schools and colleges which complements the laboratory work with DNA kits. This enables a pupil to predict initial restriction maps which may later be checked by electrophoresis. It outlines the principles of construction of restriction maps from base (or nucleotide) sequence and gel electrophoresis data. Keywords: DNA, Restriction analysis, Mapping