How do shotgun techniques differ from previous sequencing methodologies?

• A. The use of computer programs to arrange the correct order of DNA fragments that are first sequenced
• B. The use of sets of unique genetic markers to establish gross genomic structure
• C. The use of dideoxynucleotides to label the ends of DNA fragments
• D. The application of metagenomic techniques to arranging the sequenced DNA fragments of the genome of interest
• E. Simultaneous sequencing of many small fragments of DNA, thereby reducing the amount a time required to sequence a genome

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that traditional sequencing methods, like Sanger sequencing, involve sequencing DNA fragments one at a time, which can be time-consuming.
2. Recognize that shotgun sequencing involves breaking the entire genome into many small fragments and sequencing them all at once, which is more efficient.
3. Note that computer algorithms are then used to assemble these small sequences into the correct order, reconstructing the entire genome.
4. Identify that shotgun sequencing does not rely on unique genetic markers or dideoxynucleotides for labeling, which are features of other sequencing methods.
5. Acknowledge that the key advantage of shotgun sequencing is its ability to sequence large amounts of DNA quickly by processing many fragments simultaneously.