A DNA analysis program designed for computer novices working in an industrial-research environment

A program designed for DNA sequence analysis by people with no computer background or experience is described. The criteria used in the program design were (i) user friendliness, (ii) ability to handle large DNA files (greater than 10 kilobases), (iii) low storage requirements so that it could be put on a personal computer (IBM), (iv) written in a widely used language (FORTRAN 77) and (v) ability to handle all of the needed tasks for DNA analysis. The program consists of an executive that controls a set of modular subprograms. A file management system using 'SEQ' and 'SITE' files is also in place. SEQ files contain long DNA nucleotide sequences (e.g. restriction enzyme sites). Related SEQ and SITE files are grouped into categories. A SITE category can include related sequences a user wishes to search for in a longer SEQ sequence from a designated category. For example, all of the restriction enzyme recognition sites can group into a single category called 'Enzymes' and can be searched for in a SEQ sequence which has been placed in the SEQ file category 'Plasmids'. Colour graphics is also used as a visual aid.