DNA sequences can be manually converted to RNA in BioDrive. While working in the tab containing the DNA sequence you’d like to convert, press CREATE -> Convert to RNA to open the conversion dialog window. When either the forward or reverse strand is selected, the double-stranded DNA will be converted to single-stranded RNA. When both strands are selected, the double-stranded DNA will be converted to double-stranded RNA. This function can also be used to simulate a splicing reaction.

As shown below, when the “Forward” strand is selected and “Remove annotated introns” is not checked, the DNA sequence of the forward DNA strand is converted to RNA. Annotation features on the forward strand will remain in the RNA.

If the “Reverse” strand is selected and “Remove annotated introns” is not checked, the sequence of the reverse strand is converted from DNA to RNA, and the sequence orientation is converted from 3’->5’ to 5’->3’. Annotation features on the reverse strand remain in the RNA.

When the “Both” strand is selected and “Remove annotated introns” is not checked, the sequences of both strands are converted from DNA to RNA. Annotation features on both strands remain in the RNA.

To simulate the splicing reaction, make sure the “Remove annotated introns” is checked. During the conversion, sequences that are annotated as “intron” feature type will be removed.[1]