Processing
IDT offers a powerful analytical tool for determining the properties of oligo sequences—the OligoAnalyzer Tool. This tool calculates the physical characteristics of any oligo sequence, including length, GC content, melting temperature (Tm), molecular weight, extinction coefficient, and optical density. Access the OligoAnalyzer Tool from under the “Tools” heading on any page of the IDT website (Figure 1).
Enter your sequence into the “Sequence” box in the 5’ to 3’ orientation (Figure 2, arrow A). The OligoAnalyzer Tool accommodates DNA, RNA, mixed bases, and a variety of modifications, which can be selected from the menus under the Sequence box (Figure 2B). To get the correct Tm, it is important to enter the Mg++ and dNTP concentrations you will use in your experiment (Figure 2, arrow and box C). Please note that the Tm reported on the specification sheet shipped with IDT oligos uses default settings of 0 nM Mg++ and 0 mM dNTPs, and thus, will usually differ from the Tm calculated here. The “Analyze” button (Figure 2, arrow D) will produce the complementary sequence, GC content, Tm, molecular weight, and extinction coefficient. You can also run Self-Dimer and Hairpin analyses of your sequence from the Sequence entry screen (below Figure 2, arrow D).
The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) value gives an indication of the strength of the secondary structure. IDT recommends the ΔG value be more than –9 for self-dimers and hetero-dimers. For hairpins, the Tm should be lower than the temperature at which the oligo will be used (Figure 3).
If you need help with the program, the “Instructions” link provides step-by-step guidance on how to use the OligoAnalyzer Tool. The “Definitions” link gives an explanation of terms and equations the program uses to determine Tm and extinction coefficient (Figure 4).
Go to our login page to watch our video tutorial to learn more. And, of course, you can always contact an IDT Customer Care Representative.
