With the sequencing of the human genome and other advances in genetic research, genetics is one of the fastest growing research areas in Africa and globally. Two of the most indispensable tools in a geneticist's kit are DNA sequencing and DNA synthesis. Both are an every-day need for most laboratories working in human, animal, plant, microbial or viral genetics. The basics DNA is made up of the four bases adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine and a uniform sugar/phosphate backbone. The combination of base, sugar and phosphate is known as a nucleotide. Genetic information resides in the...