Early DNA sequencing

Two sequencing techniques were developed independently in the 1970s. The method developed by Fred Sanger used chemically altered "dideoxy" bases to terminate newly synthesized DNA fragments at specific bases (either A, C, T, or G). These fragments are then size-separated, and the DNA sequence can be read.

fred sanger,dna fragments,dna sequencing,dna sequence,1970s

  • ID: 15922
  • Source: DNALC.DNAi

Related Content

16036. Fred Sanger, 1975

A gene is a discrete sequence of DNA nucleotides

  • ID: 16036
  • Source: DNAi

15479. Sanger method of DNA sequencing, 3D animation with narration

The DNA sequencing method developed by Fred Sanger forms the basis of automated "cycle" sequencing reactions today.

  • ID: 15479
  • Source: DNALC.DNAi

15976. Neandertal and human (mtDNA)

When comparing Neandertal and human mtDNA, researchers found that the differences between the sequences put Neandertals outside the range of variation of modern humans.

  • ID: 15976
  • Source: DNAi

15975. Human and mtDNA variation

When comparing Neandertal and human mtDNA, researchers found that the differences between the sequences put Neandertals outside the range of variation of modern humans.

  • ID: 15975
  • Source: DNAi

15912. Sequencing DNA

Techniques to read the sequence of DNA, letter by letter, have been available since the 1970s. However, the massive task of sequencing the three billion basepairs of the human genome required machines that could read and interpret the data.

  • ID: 15912
  • Source: DNAi

16515. Animation 23: A gene is a discrete sequence of DNA nucleotides.

Fred Sanger outlines DNA sequencing.

  • ID: 16515
  • Source: DNALC.DNAFTB

15921. Gel electrophoresis

In the early days of DNA manipulation, DNA fragments were laboriously separated by gravity. In the 1970s, the powerful tool of DNA gel electrophoresis was developed.

  • ID: 15921
  • Source: DNAi

15567. DNA sequence

Early sequencers used four different reactions to determine the placement of each of DNA's four bases - known as A, C, T & G - in the sequence.

  • ID: 15567
  • Source: DNAi

15573. DNA sequencer

An image of a DNA sequencer.

  • ID: 15573
  • Source: DNAi

16526. Biography 23: Frederick Sanger (1918-2013)

Frederick Sanger received two Nobel prizes (in the same category), for his work on protein sequencing and DNA sequencing.

  • ID: 16526
  • Source: DNALC.DNAFTB