1.  Why use gene synthesis instead of PCR cloning?
A: PCR cloning, the most common method of obtaining genes, may not be able to produce a gene of sufficient quality or even at all. First, a cDNA library for a specific type of tissue has to be prepared or purchased, which requires either time or expense. Second, the gene must be abundant in that cDNA library or it will be very difficult to clone any useful way. Third, when PCR is successful, its products may have mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), which can cause problems during experimentation or other applications. GenScript gene synthesis guarantees delivery of workable quantities of precise, unmutated genes at a far more economical price than PCR cloning.

2.  Is there a length limit for GenScript gene synthesis?
A: There is no length limit. GenScript routinely synthesizes genes of 10 kb or longer.

3.  Does codon optimization really matter?
A: It matters as much as protein expression matters. Different organisms have different codon usage preferences. For example, the preferred codons used in a human gene may be rare in bacteria. This can cause problems when researchers attempt to express human genes in E. coli. Using our optimized synthetic genes, many of our customers have reported dramatic increases in protein expression. More ...

4.  What are the applications of gene synthesis?
A: Gene synthesis has a variety of applications, including the creation of specialized cDNA libraries, large-scale production of microarray-ready cDNA, the design of gene therapy vectors, and the synthesis of gene variants. For a long list of gene synthesis applications, please click here. More ...

5.  What is the standard vector for GenScript gene synthesis?
A: pUC57 is the standard vector of GenScript. In general, synthetic genes will be cloned into Sma I or EcoR V sites of the standard vector. More ...

6.  Can GenScript subclone the gene into the vector of my choice?
A: GenScript can subclone the synthetic gene into the vector of your choice for a reasonable additional fee. The vector (commercial vector or non-commercial vector) must be provided by the customer with a full-length sequence and other requested info.

7.  How can I place my order?
A: You can give GenScript your sequence and payment information via a variety of means. If you have a PO number or credit card, you can place the order directly online. Alternatively, you can send us the sequence by e-mail and fax us the PO. More ...

8.  What is the time frame for delivery?
A: For genes up to 1 kb, the delivery time is 12 business days. One week is added for each additional 1 kb. For subcloning into a vector provided by customer, an extra 1-2 weeks are needed.

9.  How much does it cost to ship outside the US?
A: We ship our products to many countries outside the US. The shipping charge is generally $42 per shipment.

10.  What kinds of payments do you accept?
A: GenScript accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), checks and wire transfer. You may send us a PO. For certain orders, GenScript may require a deposit.

11.  Why is gene synthesis more expensive than oligo synthesis?
A: Inputting the effort, energy, and expertises, it is reasonable for the price of gene synthesis to be much higher than that of oligo synthesis. It is the same analogy that a painting by a famous artist is more expensive than the paint itself. During gene synthesis, the oligos have to be assembled together in the correct order, which takes time and expertise.

12.  Can you use gene synthesis to finish my partial clone?
A: Yes. Provided that you have the sequence, GenScript can synthesize the 5'-end or 3'-end of the gene and anneal it to your partial clone to obtain the full-length gene.

13.  If I do not have the sequence, can you synthesize the gene for me?
A: No. We need the sequence to synthesize a gene.

14.  What are the steps in the process of gene synthesis?
A: The steps in gene synthesis including the following: synthesizing oligos, obtaining full-length genes, correcting mutations, and confirming the sequence.

15.  Do you provide protein expression services for codon-optimized genes?
A: GenScript also provides protein expression and purification services for the synthesized genes. GenScript can express protein in a variety of systems including bacteria, yeast, baculovirus, and mammalian cells.

16.  What’s the effect of GenScript’s OptimumGene™ Gene Design technology on protein expression?
A: GenScript’s proprietary OptimumGene™ Gene Design Technology can typically increase protein expression level significantly, provided that the protein expression and purification methods are appropriate.

17.  Are the genes sequencing verified?
A: Yes. The sequences of genes are confirmed by DNA sequencing.

18.  What is the delivery package?
A: The delivery will include 4 µg of miniprep plasmid, and the sequencing data if required.