DNA Sequencing Several Techniques

In 1953, two researchers, namely James Watson and Francis Crick, discovered the basic structure of DNA. DNA is basically a long molecule that stores coded instructions for the cell. All cells are in some way encoded in the DNA- the DNA provides a basic blueprint that is responsible for the creation and functioning of cells. The information contained in it dictates which cells should grow and when a particular cell should die and how cells should be structured into creating various body parts. For example, the DNA is responsible for determining the quality of our hair, the color and the abundance, or the lack of it. We resemble our parents because our bodies have been formulated by the DNA guiding the process, the DNA that we inherit from them.

DNA Sequencing entails several techniques and methods that are used to determine the sequence of the aforementioned nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule. Understanding of DNA sequences has become an integral part of biological research. However, it has been an uphill battle for scientists and researchers to develop and share the core idea of DNA sequencing. But DNA sequencing has come a long way since the 1970s, when the first techniques were introduced.

The process of DNA sequencing translates the DNA of a specific organism into a format that is decipherable by researchers and scientists. DNA sequencing has given a massive boost to numerous fields such as forensic biology, biotechnology and more. By mapping the basic sequence of nucleotides, DNA sequencing has allowed scientists to better understand genes and their role in the creation of the human body.

Forensic biology uses DNA sequences to identify the organism which it is unique to. Although identifying an individual is less accurate currently, but as the processes evolves further, direct comparisons of large DNA segments, and maybe even genomes, will be more practical and viable and will allow precise identification of an individual. Scientists will be able to isolate the genes responsible for genetic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, myotonic dystrophy, etc., which are caused by the inability of genes to work properly.

The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to denature the DNA to obtain the newly synthesized strands from the given template. High voltage is utilized to heat up the gel to 60 degree centigrade and this makes sure that the two strands don’t re-associate. Autoradiography helps in determining the strands as they are radio labeled.

DNA Sequencing entails several techniques and methods that are used to determine the sequence of the aforementioned nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule. Understanding of DNA sequences has become an integral part of biological research. However, it has been an uphill battle for scientists and researchers to develop and share the core idea of DNA sequencing. But DNA sequencing has come a long way since the 1970s, when the first techniques were introduced.