JCE Software, 10B1: DNA Sequencing

DNA Sequencing

John F. Beck and David L. Bunbury
Department of Chemistry, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, N. S. B2G 1C0, Canada

Note:
This program is out of print.

DNA Sequencing is a package of five programs that instructs and tests students on the Maxam-Gilbert method of sequencing DNA. It can be used as a self-instruction unit, as an assignment, and as a testing vehicle. The package is aimed at a university level chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical-biology course, but advanced senior high school students will also find it useful. The central feature of the package randomly generates a nucleic acid fragment and simulates the subsequent Maxam-Gilbert autoradiogram. Students are then guided through the method of interpreting the autoradiogram. Students require a prior, general knowledge of the DNA base structures and of the principles of electrophoresis. Knowledge of the chemistry of the cleavage reactions used in the method is helpful but not necessary to use these programs.

This screen from the instructional program of DNA Sequencing shows one of the "Help" messages. Help is available throughout the program.

DNA Sequencing includes an installation program, the instructional package consisting of three programs, and a program that evaluates and presents the results of the test/assignment section.
The installation program provides an implementation sequence to be followed before the instructional package can be run. It requests information to customize the package for the particular learning location.
The first two parts of the instructional package are intended to familiarize students with the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method and to give them assisted practice at interpreting the autoradiograms. These parts can be used as often as desired. When a student is confident that he or she has learned the technique, the third part provides an autoradiogram simulation that can be used as an assignment or a test to show mastery of the method. The entire instructional package is menu driven with instructions to end the program, get help, and return to the menu constantly on the screen.
A program is also provided to evaluate the answers received in part three, presenting these on screen and in an ASCII text file. It is intended for use by the course instructor.
Hardware and Software Requirements
DNA Sequencing requires an IBM PC-compatible computer with an 80286 or higher processor, 640 KB RAM, and VGA or better graphics. MS-DOS or IBM PC-DOS version 5.0 or higher is required. DNA Sequencing runs under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.

First Published: April 1997
Citation: Beck, J. F.; Bunbury, D. L. . DNA Sequencing J. Chem. Educ. Software 10B1
Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Simulation; Instructor; High School; Biochemistry; Biology; DNA

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Last Updated: April 26, 2001
Created: February 11, 1997 Created by: S. B. Mathews
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.



DNA Sequencing
John F. Beck and David L. Bunbury Department of Chemistry, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, N. S. B2G 1C0, Canada

Note:	This program is out of print.

DNA Sequencing is a package of five programs that instructs and tests students on the Maxam-Gilbert method of sequencing DNA. It can be used as a self-instruction unit, as an assignment, and as a testing vehicle. The package is aimed at a university level chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical-biology course, but advanced senior high school students will also find it useful. The central feature of the package randomly generates a nucleic acid fragment and simulates the subsequent Maxam-Gilbert autoradiogram. Students are then guided through the method of interpreting the autoradiogram. Students require a prior, general knowledge of the DNA base structures and of the principles of electrophoresis. Knowledge of the chemistry of the cleavage reactions used in the method is helpful but not necessary to use these programs. This screen from the instructional program of DNA Sequencing shows one of the "Help" messages. Help is available throughout the program. DNA Sequencing includes an installation program, the instructional package consisting of three programs, and a program that evaluates and presents the results of the test/assignment section. The installation program provides an implementation sequence to be followed before the instructional package can be run. It requests information to customize the package for the particular learning location. The first two parts of the instructional package are intended to familiarize students with the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method and to give them assisted practice at interpreting the autoradiograms. These parts can be used as often as desired. When a student is confident that he or she has learned the technique, the third part provides an autoradiogram simulation that can be used as an assignment or a test to show mastery of the method. The entire instructional package is menu driven with instructions to end the program, get help, and return to the menu constantly on the screen. A program is also provided to evaluate the answers received in part three, presenting these on screen and in an ASCII text file. It is intended for use by the course instructor. Hardware and Software Requirements DNA Sequencing requires an IBM PC-compatible computer with an 80286 or higher processor, 640 KB RAM, and VGA or better graphics. MS-DOS or IBM PC-DOS version 5.0 or higher is required. DNA Sequencing runs under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.


News \| Issues \| CD-ROM / Video \| Find It! \| Technical Support \| For Authors
JCE Online \| Journal \| Software \| Internet \| Happenings \| About JCE \| Contact JCE

Last Updated: April 26, 2001 Created: February 11, 1997	Created by: S. B. Mathews Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.