DNA sequencing

Question 1

what is DNA sequencing

Answer 1

Involves determining the order of the nitrogen bases that make up the DNA molecule.

Question 2

what is a real-life example of DNA sequencing

Answer 2

the human genome project

Question 3

what are the 10 steps of DNA sequencing

Answer 3

1. Gene is cut into small pieces and amplified
2. free DNA bases, DNA polymerase, DNA primers and terminator bases are mixed
3. DNA is denatured by being heated up to 96 degrees
4. Temperature is reduced to 50 degrees when primers are added to allow them to anneal to the single DNA strands
5. Temperature is increased to 60 degrees to allow the polymerase to synthesise the complementary strand until a terminator base is placed.
6. Temperature is increased to 96 degrees again to separate synthesised DNA
7. This process is repeated to creates lots of different lengths of strands
8. Fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis. Smaller fragments reach the end faster
9. As terminator bases pass through the end of the capillary tube a laser causes them to become fluoresce
10. Colours will be converted into bases