A Better Understanding of DNA Sequencing

It’s becoming crystal clear that cancer is among the illnesses rooted in people’s genes. However, figuring how genes control cancer is still a mystery, which remains unresolved.

Fortunately, recent developments in DNA sequencing are helping scientists and researchers to piece hints together. The more scientists find out, the closer they get to more advanced and better treatments.

DNA Sequencing History

According to the history of DNA sequencing, Walter Gilbert and Allan Maxam developed the first method of sequencing DNA in 1973.

Later on, Frederick Sanger and his team came up with an alternative method referred to as the chain termination or Sanger sequencing method.

At first, the Maxam-Gilbert approach was more popular, as purified DNA can be used directly, while the Sanger approach needed cloning so as to produce a single-stranded DNA before sequencing.

Traditional Technologies of DNA Sequencing

Early attempts to sequence genes were labor extensive, painstaking, and time-consuming, such as when Maxam and Gilbert reported DNA sequencing of around 24 base pairs using a wandering-spot analysis approach.

Luckily, this situation started to change in the 1970s, where Frederick Sanger came up with a few efficient and faster methods to sequence DNA.

There is no doubt that Sanger’s work was very groundbreaking to the extent that it led him to the receipt of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

How DNA Sequencing Works

No matter the approach to the genome, the process of sequencing DNA is actually the same. Sequencing uses a method referred to as electrophoresis to separate DNA pieces, which vary in length by just one base.

In the electrophoresis, you will place DNA to sequence at one of the gels, which are basically a slab of the gelatin-like substance.

You can place electrodes at both ends of the gel while applying an electrical current. This makes the molecules of DNA move rapidly through the gel.

Performing DNA Sequencing

Although methods of sequencing DNA have developed for the past few years, generally, the technique comprises breaking long strands into a lot of small pieces. Apart from Sanger sequencing, you can use the NGS (Human Genome Project) to sequence DNA.

With NGS, it is possible to sequence the human genome within several days. Sequencing costs and time have also declined, all thanks to sequencing technologies.

In addition, NGS methods are quicker compared to Sanger sequencing. This is because they may sequence thousands of DNA fragments from different parts of the genome. Plus, NGS has more benefits than Sanger sequencing, including:

  • Higher reproducibility
  • It provides single-nucleotide resolution
  • It needs less RNA or DNA as input
  • The higher dynamic range of signals

Accuracy and DNA Sequencing

For researchers utilizing DNA sequencing in research projects but are not professionals in DNA technology, it might be challenging to determine the efficiency of sequencing outcomes.

Accuracy varies between technologies and across the genomic regions as some genome stretches are harder to read. 

So it is important to understand the efficiency of DNA sequencing to differentiate vital biological details from sequencing mistakes.

Importance of DNA Sequencing

Sequencing DNA plays a pivotal role when it comes to mapping out the genome of human beings. It serves as a vital tool for many applied and basic research applications these days.

For instance, it helps to determine hundreds of nucleotide variations related to specific genetic illnesses, such as Huntington’s, which can help to understand these conditions and advance treatment.

Apart from that, sequencing DNA underpins pharmacogenomics. Basically, this is a new field that leads the way to more personalized medicine.

Pharmacogenomics usually looks at the genome variations that affect their response to drugs. Such information is used to determine which drugs give the right results in certain patients.

Future and Present Technology of Sequencing DNA

Currently, there are many technological developments and methods, which help to sequence DNA. For this reason, some labs can now sequence an excess of around 98,000 billion nucleotide bases every year.

The entire process has also reduced in price, and the whole genome now costs a few dollars at the moment. However, technological developments are expected to improve in the near future. Plus, new approaches are still underway, including those that use nanopores to sequence DNA.

DNA Sequencing is the Game-Changer!

At least now, for the first time in history, researchers have successfully sequenced DNA in microgravity as part of the Biomolecule Sequencer analysis that NASA carried out.

Now, the ability to sequence DNA is opening up a new world of medical and scientific possibilities, making the whole process a game-changer to scientists.


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