7.1.2 - DNA sequencing

Question 1

How do you sequence DNA?

Answer 1

DNA is broken down into smaller pieces
Double strands are separated into single strands
PCR is used to amplify DNA
Terminator bases added to the strands
The tags allow bases to be read rapidly

Question 2

What are terminator bases and what do they do?

Answer 2

Modified version of bases, they have a fluorescent tag attached
A terminator base stops any more bases being added

Question 3

What happens after DNA segments have been sequenced?

Answer 3

The raw data is fed into a computer system that reassembles the genome by looking at the overlap between fragments.

Question 4

What are some uses of DNA sequencing?

Answer 4

Separating fragments allows the original sequence to be worked out.
DNA sequencing can be used to determine the protein produced from any particular gene.
A better understanding of diseases- able to identify a single gene that has mutated to cause a disease.