genomic sequencing

American  

[jee-nohm-ik see-kwuhns-ing] / dʒiˈnoʊm ɪk ˈsi kwəns ɪŋ /

noun

1. genome sequencing.

---

genomic sequencing Scientific  

/ jə-nō′mĭk /

1. The sequencing of the entire genome of an organism.

---

Closer Look

The technique that allows researchers to read and decipher the genetic information found in the DNA of anything from bacteria to plants to animals is called genomic sequencing. Once a tedious, painstaking process, today, thanks to new techniques and the advent of powerful computers, it has been sped up a hundredfold. Sequencing involves determining the order of bases, the nucleotide subunits (adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, referred to by the letters A, G, C and T) found in DNA. (Humans have about 3 billion base pairs.) Three nucleotides in a row specify one kind of amino acid, and a gene is defined by a long string of these triplets. There are various techniques to read the sequence of these “letters” in genes and genomes. So-called shotgun sequencing was used to help decode the human genome. Using this method, the DNA to be sequenced is first broken apart with enzymes, since gene-sequencing machines can only handle small stretches of DNA at a time. Once these random fragments are sequenced, powerful supercomputers compare overlapping sections and recreate the original, long strand. By decoding genomes and sequencing genes, researchers are beginning to understand how those strings of letters work together to create a living organism.

Example Sentences

“But the authors have done a spectacular job of using state of the art tools, combining genomic sequencing, the fossil record, and estimates of flowering plant biodiversity, in a single framework.”

From Science Magazine • Apr. 23, 2024

State subsidies have allowed BGI to offer genomic sequencing services at a highly competitive price that is attractive to U.S. researchers, according to the commission.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

Revolutionary advancements in underwater imaging, robotics, and genomic sequencing have reshaped marine exploration, the study reads.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

"The identification of this case highlights the importance of our flu surveillance and genomic sequencing in helping us to identify and learn more about new viruses."

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2023

These studies must not only show real health benefits for newborns, families and health care systems, but resolve the ethical, legal and implementation issues raised by the application of genomic sequencing for public health benefit.

From Scientific American • Nov. 13, 2023