What is Sanger Sequecing Instrument?
August 22, 2023
Genetic Analyzer Forensic Dna Instrument Display
The Sanger sequencing instrument is a laboratory instrument that is used to perform Sanger sequencing, also known as chain termination sequencing. It is named after Frederick Sanger, the British scientist who developed this method of DNA sequencing.
Sanger sequencing is a traditional DNA sequencing method that involves the use of modified DNA building blocks called dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) that lack a 3' hydroxyl group. The sequencing instrument automates the process of DNA sequencing by performing key steps such as DNA amplification, primer annealing, and DNA extension.
The instrument incorporates fluorescently labeled ddNTPs into the sequencing reaction, which terminates DNA synthesis at specific points along the DNA strand. As a result, a mixture of DNA fragments of varying lengths is generated, each terminating at a different nucleotide position.
The Sanger Sequecing Dna Analyzer then separates the generated DNA fragments based on their size using capillary electrophoresis. The DNA fragments pass through a capillary tube filled with a polymer matrix, and an electric field is applied to separate the fragments based on their sizes. As the fragments pass through a laser beam, the fluorescent labels attached to the terminating nucleotides emit light, which is detected by a detector in the instrument.
By analyzing the fluorescence signal, the instrument generates an electropherogram, which is a graphical representation of the DNA sequence. The electropherogram shows the order of the nucleotides in the DNA sequence based on the peaks representing the different terminating nucleotides.
Overall, the Sanger sequencing instrument automates the process of Sanger sequencing, allowing for efficient and accurate determination of DNA sequences. It has been widely used in various fields of research, including molecular biology, genetics, and genomics, although it has been largely surpassed by next-generation sequencing technologies for large-scale projects due to its lower throughput and higher cost.
