The UCCCC-DSF uses two Applied Biosystems 3730XL 96-capillary and one 3130 16-capillary automated DNA sequencers that yield 700 to 1000 bases per template.

Operation:

Users provide DNA (plasmid, phage or PCR product) at a standardized concentration and custom primers if necessary, and the Facility performs cycle sequencing reactions using fluorescent dye terminators, runs the capillaries, acquires the data, and provides the sequence as chromatogram and text files. We also run user's reactions, and genotyping (fragment analysis) samples. For chromatogram editing, software is available for Macintosh and Windows platforms (see below). The current charge is $4.25 (Univ. of Chicago) or $7.00 (external) per reaction of a single template and primer ($2.25 and $3 [internal] and $4 [external] to run user reactions). Users are guaranteed satisfactory sequence from their orders even if it requires resequencing new template DNA (there is a 24 reaction limit), or the failed reactions are free.

Click here for our redo policy. We are committed to giving every user satisfactory sequence.

Our turnaround time is 1 business day from receipt of samples (multi-plate orders may be slightly longer).

For high-throughput sequencing ($1.70 to $2.70/rxn, 24 reactions minimum) or genotyping, custom services, such as complete sequencing projects, primer design and synthesis, etc, please call us at (773)702-1088.

Information:

• Sequencing Template Submission Instructions:
  • University of Chicago Users
  • External Users

• Template considerations and preparation instructions
• Primers (ours and yours)
• Check your primer Tm

Submitting Sequencing, Genotyping and Colony Picking Orders:

• Submit a Low Throughput Full Service Sequencing request form
• Submit a High Throughput Sequencing request form (12, preferably 24, reactions minimum)
• Submit a Genotyping Request form
• Submit a Colony Picking request form

For Retrieving Finished Sequences and Interpreting Chromatograms:

• Download finished sequences and chromatograms
• Information on Interpreting Chromatograms

Software for Viewing and Editing Chromatograms (required!):

• Free EditView software from Applied Biosystems for viewing and editing chromatograms (Macintosh OS 9.x, 1.5 Mbytes).
• Free FinchTV software for viewing and editing chromatograms (Macintosh OS X, Windows, Linux).
• Free 4Peaks software for viewing and editing chromatograms (Macintosh OS X).
• Free/shareware Chromas software (Windows/DOS).

For further information please contact us by phone at (773) 702-1088 or e-mail.