How do I set whether SnapGene will import GenBank mRNA and ssDNA files as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)?
The "Molecule Type" (DNA, ssDNA, RNA, mRNA, cRNA etc) is defined as part of a GenBank file LOCUS line. By default, SnapGene will import mRNA files as dsDNA (cDNA).
Open Preferences
Click SnapGene → Preferences (macOS) or Edit → Preferences (Windows or Linux), and select "Files" in the sidebar.
Uncheck the option to "When opening a GenBank file, convert" to prevent SnapGene from changing the "molecule type" specified in the GenBank LOCUS line.
Leave the option checked, and click the dropdown menu to choose whether to:
- Convert mRNA to dsDNA (cDNA)
- Convert mRNA and ssDNA to dsDNA
- Convert all nucleotide types to dsDNA