DNA sequencing is basically the method of determining the genetic sequence of an individual's DNA. It involves any technique or method which is used to analyze the structure of the DNA molecules. The major types of DNA sequencing used today are: single strand DNA sequencing, multi-strand DNA sequencing, genome mapping, whole genome sequencing, paired with other genetic information such as genotype, or other information which can be used to determine an individual's genetic makeup or ancestry. Each type of DNA sequencing has advantages and disadvantages. This article here midilabs.com will discuss some of these advantages and disadvantages and what they mean to a person.
Single strand DNA sequencing is one of the simplest DNA sequencing methods and the method used on most human genetic testing. A DNA strand is made up of four base pairs, A, T, C, G, each base pair is made up of two complementary DNA sequences called nucleotides. These nucleotides make up the DNA strand. When an appropriate DNA molecule with the correct sequence of nucleotides is introduced into a DNA sequencer, the DNA sequence will be read by the machine and the result will tell the user the sequence of amino acids found in the DNA strand. DNA strands are made up of pairs of complementary DNA strands, which can form a single DNA strand (known as a paired DNA sequence), a double DNA strand (also known as a paired strand), or a triple DNA strand (also known as a triplicated DNA sequence). DNA is composed of one strand, which contains the genetic code and another strand which are transcribed from the genetic code and is made available to the different organs and tissues in the body.
Multi-strand DNA sequencing, or DNA sequencing was done on more than one DNA strand, is one of the most complex and highly sophisticated methods of DNA analysis. This method is commonly used for studying various types of diseases in humans including cancer, HIV and AIDS. Multiple DNA strands can be obtained for sequencing, which allows scientists to examine the effects of mutations in the DNA sequence over time. This also enables researchers to analyze DNA strands of a person and determine their age, sex, ethnic background, and other genetic traits. For example, a DNA strand obtained from a blood sample and sequenced to reveal the genetic history of a person and help researchers at MIDI Labs to know about his or her parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or other close relatives. Genetic analysis of one person's DNA sequence enables scientists to investigate diseases such as diabetes and cancer, which can be determined using the patient's blood cells and tissues. Additionally, sequencing a single DNA strand allows scientists to study how specific diseases, such as diabetes, affect specific parts of the body such as the pancreas, heart, lungs or liver.
Whole genome sequencing is when an entire DNA sequence of a living organism is sequenced. The DNA is removed from that individual and sent to a DNA sequencing laboratory, where the DNA is sequenced in its entirety. The result is then interpreted to reveal all the information about that individual's DNA sequence. This is sometimes referred to as whole genome sequencing because it gives scientists complete access to the genetic information of the cell. Other methods of DNA sequencing include molecular probes, which are specific DNA sequences which are designed to bind to specific DNA sequences, and hybridization, which involve inserting DNA sequences. Into DNA samples and the other DNA strand is then analyzed to get the results.
Whole genome sequencing also allows researchers to study how people respond to treatment for disease and aging, which will allow them to better treat patients with specific conditions, or slow down the aging process. Whole genome sequencing enables researchers to study the genetic makeup of plants, animals, and bacteria, which enable scientists to understand and predict how these organisms may evolve in response to environmental changes. It is used for gene therapy, which is the process by which a patient's genes are repaired so that they will be healthy again, or even for the cloning of certain types of cancer cells.
A company called Clontech has been using this method of DNA sequencing to sequence human DNA since 2020. In this way, scientists can look at a person's entire DNA for many different reasons, depending on the purpose for sequencing. Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/medical-magazines/sequencing-dna.