* Finding locations of genes, coding/non-coding regions in a genome, regulatory regions, + their functions
* Get better understanding of A, C, G, T
* Not all DNA in our genome is transcribed into RNA + not all RNA is translated into functional proteins
* 6 reading frames for each double stranded DNA fragment
* Establish correct reading frame by using computer program to scan genome in both
directions and identify reading frame that works for both strand
* Usually a long stretch of codons without a stop codon is a good indication s
* Only one reading frame codes for the protein
* Ex: human beta globin gene, only 1 reading frame will give full length protein, b/c other reading frames will terminate translation after only a few amino acids
* Computers also look for start, typical codes for promoters and other regulatory sites (Eukaryote is trickier to identify introns and exons)