Sanger sequencing is a method of DNA sequencing that involves the electrophoresis of DNA fragments on a polyacrylamide gel, followed by enzymatic treatment of the gel to make DNA fragments visible. The principle is similar to other DNA sequencing methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Still, polyacrylamide gels make it possible to sequence much longer stretches of DNA. Sanger sequencing was primarily used for sequencing genes but has since been applied to large whole genomes (e.g., human genome) and even whole plasmids.
1. Microbiology Tests
Sanger sequencing is used to sequence bacterial genomes, as well as to identify genetic markers present in certain species of bacteria. For example, the Bacteroides genus of bacteria contains several species of medical importance. The Bacteroides fragilis, a common inhabitant of human intestines, has been studied for its virulence and pathogenicity. The specific sequence of the 16S rDNA region has been used to differentiate between different species of Bacteroides and determine their respective functions in the human body.
2. Molecular Biology Lab Services
Sanger sequencing can be used to determine the exact sequence of a gene. It is beneficial in molecular biology experiments when DNA is used as genetic material. It is also used to determine the precise sequence of a gene to clone it and create a new organism in which it has been inserted. Sanger sequencing can also be used to determine the exact sequence of an RNA molecule and that of tRNA molecules and even microtubules, which are essential for structural integrity within cells.
3. Cloning DNA
Sanger sequencing can be used to clone a gene or DNA segment, which can be inserted into another organism or organism's genome, thus creating a new species with the desired genetic material. This is useful when building bacteria that are useful for industrial processes such as ethanol synthesis or bioremediation (removal of toxic chemicals from the soil) and also in agriculture/farming research where genes responsible for desirable traits can be introduced into plants such as rice, wheat, corn, and many others.
Technology is changing at an astounding rate, and obtaining certain pieces of information is constantly evolving. DNA sequencing is an excellent example of this. DNA sequencing has been around for decades, but the technology has only recently advanced to the point where it is possible to obtain a complete sequence of DNA from any organism with minimal effort. As technology advances, new methods and new tools are created that can be used to obtain information from even the most complex molecules.