Genomszekvenálás

Genomszekvenálás, or genome sequencing, is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. This involves identifying the order of the four nucleotide bases—adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)—that make up the DNA. The first complete genome sequence was that of the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae in 1995. Since then, technological advancements have significantly reduced the cost and increased the speed of sequencing, making it applicable to a wide range of organisms, including humans.

The process typically involves fragmenting the organism's DNA into smaller, more manageable pieces. These fragments are then sequenced individually, and sophisticated computational methods are used to assemble these short sequences back into their original order, creating the complete genome sequence. Different sequencing technologies exist, each with its own advantages and limitations regarding read length, accuracy, and cost.

Genomszekvenálás has revolutionized many fields, particularly in biology and medicine. It aids in understanding genetic variations, identifying disease-causing mutations, developing personalized medicine, studying evolutionary relationships between species, and advancing agricultural practices. The ability to read an organism's entire genetic blueprint offers profound insights into life at its most fundamental level.