genomszekvenítés

Genomszekvenálás, also known as genome sequencing, is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome. This involves reading the order of the nucleotide bases—adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)—that make up the DNA. The first human genome was sequenced in 2003, a monumental achievement that opened new avenues in biological research and medicine.

The process typically involves breaking down the long DNA molecule into smaller, manageable fragments. These fragments are then sequenced individually using specialized technologies. Once the sequences of the fragments are known, sophisticated computational methods are used to reassemble them into the correct order, reconstructing the entire genome.

Genomszekvenálás has numerous applications. It is crucial for understanding genetic variation between individuals, identifying genes responsible for diseases, and developing personalized medicine approaches. It also plays a vital role in evolutionary biology, tracing the relationships between different species and understanding the history of life on Earth. Furthermore, it is used in agriculture to improve crop yields and in forensic science to identify individuals. The cost and speed of sequencing have dramatically improved over the years, making it an increasingly accessible tool for researchers worldwide.