An access interface for the MS-DOS diskette format of GenBank(R), a gene sequence database

An interface program has been developed for users of MS-DOScomputers and the GenBank(R) gene sequence files in their disketteformat. With the program a user is able to produce keyword,author and entry name listings of GenBank items or to selectGenBank sequences for viewing, printing or decoding. The decodeoption uncompresses sequence data and yields a character filewhich has the format used on GenBank magnetic tapes. Programoptions are chosen by selecting items from command menus. Whilethe program is designed primarily for hard disk operation, italso allows users of diskette-based computers to work with GenBankfiles. Received on July 15, 1987; accepted on July 15, 1987