Restriction enzyme lists are presented for the practical working genet
icist to update any DNA computer program. These lists combine formerly
scattered information and contain all presently known restriction enz
ymes with a unique recognition sequence, a cut site, or methylation (i
n)sensitivity. The lists are in the shortest possible form to also be
functional with small DNA computer programs, and will produce clear re
striction maps without any redundancy or loss of information. The list
s discern between commercial and noncommercial enzymes, and prototype
enzymes and different isoschizomers are cross-referenced. Differences
in general methylation sensitivities and (in)sensitivities against Dam
and Dcm methylases of Escherichia coli are indicated. Commercial meth
ylases and intron-encoded endonucleases are included. An address list
is presented to contact commercial suppliers. The lists are constantly
updated and available in electronic form as pure US ASCII files, and
in formats for the DNA computer programs DNA-Strider for Apple Macinto
sh, and DNAsis for IBM personal computers or compatibles via e-mail fr
om the internet address: NETSERV@EMBL-HEIDELBERG.DE by sending only th
e message RELIBRARY.