MacPlasmap version 2.1

More details about MacPlasmap v2.1:

Feature highlights
Key benefits
A screen snapshot
Drawing basics
Automatic data entry
Drawing maps from DNA sequences
Import feature tables
Powerful cloning functions
Many convenient tools
Exporting maps
Great-looking output
Low price
Upgradable to MacPlasmap Pro

Feature highlights

Object-based drawing environment (i.e., MacDraw- and Canvas-like)
Circular and linear (horizontal and vertical) plasmid maps created with or without DNA sequences.
Restriction site mapping.
Import GenBank/EMBL feature tables.
Easy and interactive entry of restriction sites and genes.
Cut/copy/paste features and regions between maps.
Rearrange and recombine plasmid fragments (deletion, insertion, replace, and inversion).
Rotate circular maps.
Color and many types of patterns, arrow types and symbols.
Complete text editing tool for map annotation.
Flexible control over the appearance of plasmid maps.
Export maps as PICT files or text files.
High resolution printing.
Easy to use, complete on-line help and printed manual.

How can you benefit from using MacPlasmap?

MacPlasmap can make your work more productive and more fun.

Organized. There is nothing better than keeping your plasmid data in the computer in a graphic form.

Accurate. No more guessing at inaccurate sketchy maps. Accuracy helps you design better experiments.

Reusable. Draw one map, and derive others from it just like the way it happens with your DNA constructs.

Professional. Professional map reflects professional work.

Sample screen snapshots

The above is a true screen snapshot containing arrows and shadowed text for map illustrations.

Drawing basics

MacPlasmap accurately places sites and genes on circular or linear maps according to the map scale, and updates their coordinates when the map is resized. For example, when you insert a fragment into a map, the map coordinates are correctly updated for you. Each map object can be adjusted with respect to its position, size, pattern, color, and style, just like in a general drawing program.

Sites and genes can be entered manually by specifying their locations, interactively by mouse clicking/dragging, or automatically by reading from DNA sequences, feature tables, text files, and PICT files. The ability to recombine plasmid maps provides a powerful approach to efficient management of your plasmid data.

Automatic data entry

Sites and genes need not be always entered manually. Whenever possible, MacPlasmap attempts to use pre-existing plasmid information to facilitate the data entry.

Searching restriction sites from DNA sequences

MacPlasmap can open DNA sequences stored in many formats, and quickly find all the restriction sites in the sequence. You can then choose to display sites based on various criteria, such as cutting frequency and size of recognition sequence.

This map was generated by simply opening a sequence file of pGEX3X. All unique sites are displayed. This gives you a starting point to refine the map, which typically involves adding genes and adjusting the positions of labels. Note: GenBank and EMBL files often contain annotated features that can be automatically converted to genes and sites.

Importing features tables from GenBank/EMBL files

Feature tables in GenBank/EMBL sequence files can be easily converted into map features.

Recombine plasmid maps

MacPlasmap provides powerful functions to allow creation of new maps by cutting and joining pieces from other maps. For example, you can select a region of Map A and insert it into a site in Map B. All the sites and genes affected by this operation will be automatically updated.

Many tools for better organizing your map

In MacPlasmap you will also find many convenient utilities at your finger tips:

Text editing. Multiple text items can be added that can contain different styles and can be colored and framed.
Map ruler. An optional map ruler can be added to either circular or linear maps.
Alignment/distribution of map labels. Feature names can be aligned and/or distributed along a reference line.
Arrows and symbols. Many types of arrows and symbols for highlighting genes and sites.
Rotation of circular maps and conversion between circular and linear maps at any point.
Vertical and circular map labels.

Efficient data export

Maps can be exported to other programs via the PICT format. Map data can also be exported as comma-delimited text that can be imported into database programs.

Great-looking LaserWriter output

The screen snapshots you have seen are limited by the resolution of your computer screen. High-quality printer output can be used directly for publication or presentation.

Low price

MacPlasmap comes with a price friendly to every laboratory. For more information, see Ordering information

More screen snaps

Download a Free demo version

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Please send your questions or comments to cgc@cgcsci.com.