June 1, 2012 (Vol. 32, No. 11)
URL:
http://bit.ly/MotIXQ
Rating:
Strong Points: Many graphical representations
Weak Points: Cannot select amino acids from table in free version
Platform:
iPhone
Cost:
Free
Summary:
I know, I know—there appear to be a million codon table apps out there. However, I give the Genetic Code app by iVanta credit for its many graphical representations of codons. Users can view the codon table in its usual table format, as concentric circles (with each circle representing a nucleotide), or in alignment view. There is also the option to enter the nucleotides manually, with the structure and name of the corresponding amino acid being subsequently displayed. Tapping on the structure takes you to a page that lists the amino acid’s chemical properties. Another unique feature of the app is the amino acid Venn Diagram, which provides an at-a-glance overview of groupings of amino acids, such as aromatic versus polar, or positively versus negatively charged.