Estimation of DNA restriction fragment size using a PC

Abstract

A computer program developed by Duggleby et al. (R. G. Duggleby, H. Kinns and J. I. Rood, A computer program for determining the size of DNA restriction fragments. Analytical Biochemistry 110, 49 (1981)) for determining DNA restriction fragment size was rewritten for the IBM compatible PC. Accuracy of curve fit was examined for molecular size range 22 to 0.6 kb. It showed a better fit of the data involving molecular size range 22 to 2 kb, or 2 to 0.6 kb, rather than for 22 to 0.6 kb, irrespective of agarose gel concentrations and electrophoretic running times. Thus, greater accuracy of DNA fragment size could be estimated by using two calibration ranges, i.e. 22 to 2 kb, or 2 to 0.6 kb, depending on the fragment size. © 1991.