Using Desktop Cloning Software to Plan, Track, and Evaluate Cloning Projects

Manipulation and analysis of DNA sequences is often a complex task involving many steps, each of which must be carefully planned and executed. To facilitate this process, the number of steps should be minimized and each step analyzed to ensure that it has been completed successfully. Often, this analysis involves restriction-enzyme digestion of DNA constructs followed by gel electrophoresis to examine the results. It is also important to be able to easily track the DNA manipulations. This means that each step must be documented, illustrated, and stored as the project proceeds. It is also desirable to maintain an overview of the cloning strategy and track changes as they are made. Graphical representations of DNA constructs make the process simple to follow and less prone to errors.