Traditional Sanger sequencing has largely been replaced in recent years by next-generation and third-generation sequencing approaches. Describe advantages of these sequencing methods over first-generation Sanger sequencing.

Key Concepts

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) refers to a set of advanced sequencing technologies that allow for the rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA. Unlike Sanger sequencing, which sequences one fragment at a time, NGS can process millions of fragments simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput and reducing costs. This capability enables comprehensive genomic studies, including whole-genome sequencing and targeted resequencing.

Third-Generation Sequencing

Third-Generation Sequencing (TGS) technologies, such as single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, provide the ability to read longer DNA sequences in real-time. This contrasts with Sanger sequencing, which typically produces shorter reads. The longer reads from TGS facilitate the assembly of complex genomes and the identification of structural variants, making it particularly useful for studying repetitive regions and haplotypes.

Cost and Time Efficiency

Both NGS and TGS offer significant cost and time efficiencies compared to Sanger sequencing. NGS can sequence entire genomes in a matter of days at a fraction of the cost of Sanger sequencing, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This efficiency has made high-throughput sequencing accessible for various applications, including clinical diagnostics, personalized medicine, and large-scale population studies.