Annette M. Griffin – författare

DNA sequencing has become increasingly efficient over the years, resulting in an enormous increase in the amount of data gen- ated. In recent years, the focus of sequencing has shifted, from being the endpoint of a project, to being a starting point. This is especially true for such major initiatives as the human genome project, where vast tracts of DNA of unknown function are sequenced. This sheer volume of available data makes advanced computer methods ess- tial to analysis, and a familiarity with computers and sequence ana- sis software a vital requirement for the researcher involved with DNA sequencing. Even for nonsequencers, a familiarity with sequence analysis software can be important. For instance, gene sequences already present in the databases can be extremely useful in the design of cloning and genetic manipulation experiments. This two-part work on Analysis of Data is designed to be a practical aid to the researcher who uses computers for the acquisition, storage, or analysis of nucleic acid (and/or p- tein) sequences. Each chapter is written such that a competent sci- tist with basic computer literacy can carry out the procedure successfully at the first attempt by simply following the detailed pr- tical instructions that have been described by the author. A Notes section, which is included at the end of each chapter, provides advice on overcoming the common problems and pitfalls sometimes enco- tered by users of the sequence analysis software. Software packages for both the mainframe and personal computers are described.

DNA sequencing has become increasingly efficient over the years, resulting in an enormous increase in the amount of data gener­ ated. In recent years, the focus of sequencing has shifted, from being the endpoint of a project, to being a starting point. This is especially true for such major initiatives as the human genome project, where vast tracts of DNA of unknown function are sequenced. This sheer volume of available data makes advanced computer methods essen­ tial to analysis, and a familiarity with computers and sequence analy­ sis software a vital requirement for the researcher involved with DNA sequencing. Even for nonsequencers, a familiarity with sequence analysis software can be important. For instance, gene sequences already present in the databases can be extremely useful in the design of cloning and genetic manipulation experiments. This two-part work on Computer Analysis of Sequence Data is designed to be a practical aid to the researcher who uses computers for the acquisition, storage, or analysis of nucleic acid (and/or pro­ tein) sequences. Each chapter is written such that a competent scien­ tist with basic computer literacy can carry out the procedure successfully at the first attempt by simply following the detailed prac­ tical instructions that have been described by the author. A Notes section, which is included at the end of each chapter, provides advice on overcoming the common problems and pitfalls sometimes encoun­ tered by users of the sequence analysis software.

The purpose of DNA Sequencing Protocols is to provide detailed practical procedures for the widest range of DNA sequencing meth­ ods, and we believe that all the vanguard techniques now being applied in this fast-evolving field are comprehensively covered. Sequencing technology has advanced at a phenomenal rate since the original methods were first described in the late 1970s and there is now a huge variety of strategies and methods that can be employed to determine the sequence of any DNA of interest. More recently, a large number of new and innovative sequencing techniques have been developed, including the use of such novel polymerases as Tag poly­ merase and Sequenase, the harnessing of PCR technology for linear amplification (cycle) sequencing, and the advent of automated DNA sequencers. DNA sequencing is surely one of the most important techniques in the molecular biology laboratory. Sequence analysis is providing an increasingly useful approach to the characterization of biological systems, and major multinational projects are already underway to map and sequence the entire genome of organisms, such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Homo sapiens. Most scientists recognize the importance of DNA sequence data and perceive DNA sequencing as a valuable and indispensable aspect of their work. Recent technological advances, especially in the area of automated sequencing, have removed much of the drudg­ ery that was formerly associated with the technique, whereas innova­ tive computer software has greatly simplified the analysis and manipulation of sequence data.

DNA sequencing has become increasingly efficient over the years, resulting in an enormous increase in the amount of data gen- ated. In recent years, the focus of sequencing has shifted, from being the endpoint of a project, to being a starting point. This is especially true for such major initiatives as the human genome project, where vast tracts of DNA of unknown function are sequenced. This sheer volume of available data makes advanced computer methods ess- tial to analysis, and a familiarity with computers and sequence ana- sis software a vital requirement for the researcher involved with DNA sequencing. Even for nonsequencers, a familiarity with sequence analysis software can be important. For instance, gene sequences already present in the databases can be extremely useful in the design of cloning and genetic manipulation experiments. This two-part work on Analysis of Data is designed to be a practical aid to the researcher who uses computers for the acquisition, storage, or analysis of nucleic acid (and/or p- tein) sequences. Each chapter is written such that a competent sci- tist with basic computer literacy can carry out the procedure successfully at the first attempt by simply following the detailed pr- tical instructions that have been described by the author. A Notes section, which is included at the end of each chapter, provides advice on overcoming the common problems and pitfalls sometimes enco- tered by users of the sequence analysis software. Software packages for both the mainframe and personal computers are described.