DNA Sequencing 101: Decoding the Origin of Life (for Beginners)

DNA is the origin of life. Every living entity in this world has variations due to its organismal evolution. When you are a newbie researcher working on a dedicated project like DNA, understanding DNA sequencing is important to determine the underlying genotype (genetic basis) and what kind of cell it will transform into (phenotype). Also, you can have a clear idea of the biological functions of different genes and genomes of living entities, including animals, plants, and microbial communities.

In today’s blog, we will provide a brief idea of DNA sequencing technologies and their development for beginners. Let’s begin.

Everything about DNA Sequencing Methods and Its Applications

With DNA sequencing analysis, it is possible to gain insight into the biological functions of their genomes and genes. Since the 1970s, this sequencing technique has been developing through research and the discovery of genome and gene structure.

In recent years, DNA sequencing analysis technology has experienced a revolutionary change with the advent of cutting-edge methods using various sequencing platforms that increase sensitivity and generate more data. For instance:

First-generation DNA Sequencing

This first-generation DNA sequencing technology is also known as Sanger sequencing, i.e., the DNA sequencing Sanger method. Researchers use this technique to determine nucleic acid sequences. This sequencing method involves an oligonucleotide primer that targets some specific, highly accurate DNA regions to construct certain genomic regions in a huge number of samples that are ~1000 bp in length. To accomplish the goals of sequencing simple genes and samples, Sanger is an affordable sequencing method.

Second-generation DNA Sequencing

It is the newest DNA sequencing analysis technique based on SBS (sequencing by synthesis) technology by Illumina. This second-generation DNA sequencing technology can generate more data rapidly with a massively parallel sequencing approach. Besides sequencing larger-scale and higher throughput data, it has increased sensitivity, which allows researchers to dive into DNA sequencing techniques while enabling human genome sequencing at a thousand-dollar level.

Third-generation technologies

This third-generation or next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has two approaches: Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT).

The first one offers Circular Consensus Sequencing (CCS) and Continuous Long Reads (CLR) approaches to DNA sequencing via proprietary SMRT (Single Molecule Real Time) technology. Researchers can use CLR to determine the large inserts’ sequences and CCS for short insert cases for the most accurate results.

Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) stands out separately from other DNA sequencing methods, as it uses nanopore technology to sequence DNA for long reads (longer compared to PacBio). Its ultra-long read length detects abnormalities in the sequence, such as replication, gene insertion, deletion, or displacement. As a result, cancer detection and treatment have become easier for researchers.

Now, speaking of applications of DNA sequencing, researchers these days use DNA sequencing services by outsourcing or in-house to determine the answer to various research questions depending on the information they need and research parameters. For instance:

• WGS (Whole genome sequencing (WGS)) is used for examining non-coding DNA and genes at a >30x sequencing depth in a sample to gain insight into the DNA sequence of all living entities, including plants, microbial genomes, humans, and animals. It has two approaches: de novo and resequencing
• Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) is used for examining the exomes or protein-coding regions within the genome to determine genetic variants.
• Target Region Sequencing (TRS) used for sequencing a specific set of genes with certain functions
• Metagenomics used for characterizing microbial communities

In Conclusion

We hope you have quite a clear idea of DNA sequencing technologies and their applications. Now, if you are seeking fast, cost-effective, and efficient DNA sequencing services, count on us. Bio Basic is the leading DNA sequencing provider, offering accurate results using cutting-edge DNA sequencing tools and methods.

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