Omiga: a PC-based sequence analysis tool

Abstract

Computer-based sequence analysis, notation, and manipulation are a necessity for all molecular biologists working with any but the most simple DNA sequences. As sequence data become increasingly available, tools that can be used to manipulate and annotate individual sequences and sequence elements will become an even more vital implement in the molecular biologist's arsenal. The Omiga DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis Software tool, version 2.0 provides an effective and comprehensive tool for the analysis of both nucleic acid and protein sequences that runs on a standard PC available in every molecular biology laboratory. Omiga allows the import of sequences in several common formats. Upon importing sequences and assigning them to various projects, Omiga allows the user to produce, analyze, and edit sequence alignments. Sequences may also be queried for the presence of restriction sites, sequence motifs, and other sequence features, all of which can be added into the notations accompanying each sequence. This newest version of Omiga also allows for sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer prediction, a functionality missing in earlier versions. Finally, Omiga allows rapid searches for putative coding regions, and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) queries against public databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).