November 1, 2016 (Vol. 36, No. 19)
Rating:
Strong Points: Functional, useful
Weak Points: Very basic format
Platform:
iPad/iPhone
Cost:
Free
Summary:
The DNA/RNA/Protein and General Molecular Weight Calculator is a no-frills app from Current Protocols and Wiley that does exactly what the title suggests. The app has four different calculators, one each for DNA, RNA, protein, and general chemical formulas. The DNA calculator allows the user to input a DNA sequence and exactly calculate the base pair length of the sequence, as well as the molecular weights for both the single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. The app also has an estimate feature that gives approximate molecular weights based on the length of the DNA molecule. The protein calculator allows for input of amino acid sequences, using either the one-letter or three-letter abbreviations, and also provides an estimate feature. There also exists a section that allows users to determine the molecular weight of any chemical formula. Users can type in the formula or choose from a list of compounds included in the app. This app is nothing fancy, but it provides a useful resource for researchers who need a quick molecular weight estimate, or for students trying to finish their chemistry homework.
