Shotgun sequencing
(Redirected from Shotgun technique)
Shotgun sequencing is a method used for DNA sequencing. It is a technique in which DNA is broken up randomly into numerous small segments, which are then sequenced individually. The sequences of these fragments are then reassembled into a continuous sequence by using computer algorithms, based on overlapping regions of the fragments.
History[edit | edit source]
Shotgun sequencing was first developed in the 1970s and became more widely used in the 1990s with the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies. It was notably used in the Human Genome Project to sequence the human genome.
Methodology[edit | edit source]
The process of shotgun sequencing involves several key steps:
- Fragmentation: The DNA is randomly fragmented into smaller pieces.
- Sequencing: Each fragment is sequenced using Sanger sequencing or other sequencing technologies.
- Assembly: The sequences of the fragments are assembled into a continuous sequence using computational methods. This involves finding overlapping regions between fragments and aligning them to reconstruct the original DNA sequence.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Shotgun sequencing is widely used in various fields of genomics and molecular biology. Some of its applications include:
- Genome sequencing: It is used to sequence the genomes of various organisms.
- Metagenomics: Shotgun sequencing is used to analyze the genetic material from environmental samples, allowing the study of microbial communities.
- Comparative genomics: It helps in comparing the genomes of different species to understand evolutionary relationships.
Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
Advantages[edit | edit source]
- Speed: Shotgun sequencing can be faster than other sequencing methods because it allows for parallel processing of multiple fragments.
- Cost-effective: It can be more cost-effective, especially with the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies.
Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
- Complexity: The assembly process can be computationally intensive and complex, especially for large genomes with repetitive sequences.
- Error-prone: Errors can occur during the assembly process, leading to gaps or incorrect sequences.
See also[edit | edit source]
- DNA sequencing
- Human Genome Project
- High-throughput sequencing
- Sanger sequencing
- Genomics
- Metagenomics
- Comparative genomics
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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