[BioPython] bioperl idl

[Jeffrey Chang]

>   What I don't understand is how both the strand and complementary strand
> can code for proteins?

Typically only one of them (the one with a recognizable promoter) is used
in transcription.  However, sometimes it's possible to insert a promoter
upstream of the complementary strand.  This will cause both strands to be
expressed, resulting in complementary mRNAs that bind to each other,
preventing translation into proteins.  This is often used in genetically
engineered food, say, to knock out the gene for senescence, allowing the
product to mature longer.  Pretty cool stuff.

Jeff