Sekvensioinnin

Sekvensioinnin, meaning sequencing in English, refers to the process of determining the order of nucleotides within a DNA or RNA molecule. This fundamental technique in molecular biology allows scientists to read the genetic code, which is essential for understanding gene function, genetic variation, and the development of diseases. There are several methods for sequencing, with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies being the most prevalent today due to their high throughput and affordability. These methods typically involve fragmenting the DNA or RNA, attaching adapters, and then amplifying these fragments. The amplified fragments are then read by specialized machines that detect fluorescent signals or other indicators corresponding to each nucleotide base (A, T, C, and G for DNA, or A, U, C, and G for RNA). The raw data generated from these machines, known as reads, are then assembled computationally to reconstruct the original sequence. Applications of sequencing are vast, ranging from diagnosing genetic disorders and identifying pathogens to studying evolutionary relationships and developing personalized medicine. The ability to efficiently and accurately sequence genetic material has revolutionized biological research and clinical practice.