DNAssist

This software is proprietary, DNAssist however has a free trial run which offers clients an opportunity to test the software before they actually buy it. It is used in the analysis of DNA strands which is normally done in big laboratories with custom-made software, this application, therefore, makes this important software in medical advancement to the everyday Joe.

The layout of the interface is basic which is just right for the job because too much graphics is not the main objective for such software. The graphic buttons which have been included in the interface such as the open file, cut, paste, print, redo, undo, save, and new makes the interface very intuitive and easy to use.

 It has features that are common to any Windows window, there is a file tab, edit, convert, analyze, option, views, windows, and help tabs. It has an option for copying, cutting, and pasting which is a plus because they are natural intuitive functions normal to a most windows word processor. In addition, the application has a feature in the options tab where one can change the font size, type, and length the help tab has other resources that can be used to find out more about the software.

The convert tab has various functions such as circularize, linearize, reverse-complement, as well as the conversion of DNA to RNA, RNA to DNA, DNA to protein, RNA to protein, and reverse translation. The analyses available for a technician include DNA sequence translation to amino sequence into 1 phase, 3 phase, or 6 phase. It also allows for an analyst to find patterns in output and its ORFs. The application though its analyze tab identifies the properties of a sample in regards to its physicochemical, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and antigenic abilities. The analyze tab also has features such as restriction mapping, transcription factors, nucleosome positions, alignment, randomize of samples, and many more.

The application is fast in its installation and the package itself is small therefore beneficial to small laboratory or for educational purposes

• A wide array of analysis features such as DNA sequence translation, restriction mapping, transcription factors, nucleosome positions, etc
• Features common to any windows window and word processor
• Easy to use interface which is clutter-free and basic enough for the task
• Easily identifiable shortcut buttons that have common and intuitive graphics
• Change the font size, type, and length