'ZSTATS'--a statistical analysis for potential Z-DNA sequences

We have developed a FORTRAN programme for scanning DNA sequences for potential Z-DNA forming regions using the One-Sample Runs Test. The programme also detects other non-random arrangements of purines and pyrimidines on the same strand and will detect purine- or pyrimidine-rich strands and G:C- or A:T-rich regions. A series of test statistics are produced as a graphical output and these have been used to search a number of beta- type globin DNA sequences for potential Z-DNA regions whose biological significance is briefly discussed.