Creating Constructs

Create new genetic constructs in Kernel using several methods.

Create from Scratch

Start with an empty construct and build it up:

1. Click New > Construct

2. Enter a name

3. Select a destination repository

4. Choose Empty construct

5. Click Create

In the editor:

• Type or paste sequence directly

• Add parts using drag-and-drop

• Annotate features manually

Import from File

Import existing sequences from standard file formats:

Supported Formats

• GenBank (.gb, .gbk): Full annotation support

• FASTA (.fasta, .fa): Sequence only

• DNA (.dna): SnapGene format

Import Steps

1. Click New > Construct

2. Select Import from file

3. Upload your file

4. Review the imported sequence and annotations

5. Select a parts repository for part mapping (optional)

6. Name the construct and select destination

7. Click Create

Part Mapping on Import

When importing GenBank files, Kernel can map annotations to parts:

1. During import, select a parts repository

2. Kernel matches annotations to existing parts by name

3. Review and confirm matches

4. Unmatched annotations remain as simple annotations

Create from Template

Start from pre-built templates:

1. Click New > Construct

2. Select From template

3. Browse available templates:

   • Workspace templates

   • Public templates

4. Select a template

5. Customize the name and destination

6. Click Create

The new construct is a copy you can modify.

Build with Parts

Assemble constructs from existing parts:

1. Create a new empty construct

2. Open Part match in the right sidebar

3. Search for parts

4. Drag parts into the schematic view

5. Arrange parts in order

6. Parts automatically join with appropriate seams

See Drag and Drop Assembly for detailed instructions.

Duplicate an Existing Construct

Copy and modify an existing design:

1. Find the construct in a repository

2. Right-click and select Duplicate

3. Choose a destination

4. The copy opens in the editor

5. Modify as needed

Editing Constructs

Direct Sequence Editing

1. Click in the sequence viewer

2. Type to insert nucleotides

3. Select and delete to remove

4. Cut, copy, paste work as expected

Insert Sequences

1. Position the cursor where you want to insert

2. Paste from clipboard, or

3. Use Edit > Insert sequence

4. Enter or paste the sequence to insert

Replace Sequences

1. Select the region to replace

2. Type or paste the replacement sequence

3. The selection is replaced

Delete Sequences

1. Select the region to delete

2. Press Delete or Backspace

3. The sequence is removed and the construct rejoins

Save and Versioning

Constructs save automatically as you work. Each significant change creates a revision you can access in History.

Manual Save

• Press Cmd/Ctrl + S

• Or click File > Save

View History

1. Click History in the right sidebar

2. See list of revisions with timestamps

3. Click a revision to preview

4. Restore a previous version if needed

Next Steps

• Drag and Drop Assembly — Visual parts assembly

• Annotations — Label features

• What is a Construct? — Construct concepts