Local tools for genetics research
With the sequencing of the human genome and other advances in genetic
research, genetics is one of the fastest growing research areas in Africa and
globally.
Two of the most indispensable tools in a geneticist's kit are DNA sequencing
and DNA synthesis. Both are an every-day need for most laboratories working in
human, animal, plant, microbial or viral genetics.
 The
basics
DNA is made up of the four bases adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine and a
uniform sugar/phosphate backbone. The combination of base, sugar and phosphate
is known as a nucleotide.
Genetic information resides in the sequence of the nucleotides.
Sequences of nucleotides are known as  oligonucleotides.
Oligonucleotides can be specially synthesized according to scientists
experimental needs with different composition and length.
Below is a model of double stranded DNA, as it exists in all living organisms
and also depicting the typical double helical structure. DNA sequencing is the
analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a given piece of DNA. The knowledge about
the nucleotide sequence of genes is a prerequisite for any molecular approach in
basic as well as applied genetics. 
For scientists in Africa to compete globally in genetics research, DNA
synthesis and sequencing services need to be both prompt and cost-effective. In
southern Africa, researchers however either rely on university based
laboratories or have to look abroad for these services. A young company, Inqaba
Biotec has just entered the market offering these services at competitive prices
and with the added advantage of speed.
The entrepreneurs see the local production of these goods as a means of
relieving the strong dependency for these products on fluctuating exchange
rates.
A first for Southern Africa, the company offers DNA synthesis and DNA
sequencing services. The company based in Pretoria in South Africa, analyses
single genes or parts of them, larger pieces that contain several genes
(medium-scale) or even complete genomes (large-scale).
For more information, visit: www.inqaba.com
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