How do I convert DNA sequences between single-stranded and double-stranded formats?
SnapGene 5.2 and later allow creation, import, and manipulation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences.
Open or Import a DNA Sequence
Open or import a DNA sequence. In this example, the genome of Parvovirus H1, accession number X01457.1, is imported from NCBI incorrectly as a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequence.
Convert dsDNA to ssDNA
Parvovirus H1 is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus. The X01457.1 record imports as dsDNA because the NCBI LOCUS record fails to specify that it is ssDNA.
To convert the dsDNA sequence to ssDNA, click menu Edit → Change Sequence Properties → Strandedness....
The file will be converted to ssDNA. Click File → Save to save the changes
Convert ssDNA to dsDNA
As detailed above, to convert the ssDNA sequence to ssDNA, click menu Edit → Change Sequence Properties → Strandedness....
Optional: Reverse Complement an ssDNA Sequence
The Parvovirus H1 genome (minus strand) is the complementary strand to the sequence in the X01457.1 record, so it should also be reverse complemented.
Click menu View → Reverse Complement to obtain the minus strand sequence.
Click File → Save to save the changes.
