DNASIS MAX has the ability to search for homologous sequences to your sequence with BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool). BLAST finds regions of local similarity between sequences. The program compares nucleotide or protein sequences to sequence databases and calculates the statistical significance of matches. BLAST can be used to infer functional and evolutionary relationships between sequences as well as help identify members of gene families.
The following procedure guides you through utilizing BLAST against NCBI’s sequence databases.
1. Launch DNASIS MAX and import the Tutorial1.fsa file which is located in the
C:HSK_DBTutorialData directory.
Fig1. After loading the tutorial data.
2. Click the DNA – Compare tab and select the Internet – Blast Search option.
Fig2. DNA – Compare tag.
3. The Analysis dialog will appear.
Fig3. Analysis Dialog – In the Analysis Dialog, you will find the Parameter and Execute buttons.
The Parameter button is used for changing the parameters of an analysis.
4. Press the Parameter button and a dialog box will appear.
NCBI BLAST is set as the default URL.
Fig4. Internet Blast Search Parameterset dialog box.
5. Press the Setting… button to edit the parameters of NCBI BLAST.
Fig5. NCBI Advanced BLAST Search dialog.
6. Once the configurations have been set, press the OK button.
To discard any changes, press the Cancel button.
7. Press the Execute button to send the query.
The time it takes to retrieve your results will depend on the size of the sequence, the database, and your internet service provider. Once your results come back, it will be displayed like in Fig6.
Fig6. A sample result of the BLAST search in DNASIS MAX.
