Microcomputer programs for graphic analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences

Four computer programs are described which allow two amino acid or DNA sequences to be compared for homology, the results being displayed in a 2-dimensional array on a printer page. The programs also may be used to visualize repeated sequences or dyad symmetry within a DNA sequence. Two of the four programs may be used with any printer, the other two require a printer with graphics capability. Many options are available including using only a portion of a sequence, specifying a window to demonstrate more significant structures and special restrictions on matching such as excluding the third base in a codon. Written in the C programming language, the programs run under the CP/M 80 operating system, and may be copied in binary format through a modem. They are also available for the IBM/PC.