By: Stephany
The sequencing of our bodies' genomes is often referred to as "genetic sequencing." A genome is an organism's genetic information, which comprises the nucleotide sequences of DNA. The DNA molecule is composed of four "nucleobases": adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). Genetic sequencing refers to determining the order of these nucleobases. There are billions of nucleobases and sequences in our body, and these sequences determine the kind of genetic information that is being carried and a particular DNA segment. Individual genome sequencing is now routine, and a full genome maybe sequenced for a few thousand dollars, which may be more than a middle-class family can spend for a diagnostic, thanks to multiple technological breakthroughs since the human genome project's competition in 2003. However, some will be willing to spend this amount of money on genetic sequencing as they believe that the benefits of a diagnosis greatly outweigh the cost spent on the procedure. Genetic sequencing not only aids in the identification of fatal diseases but also informs patients about their risk of getting a disease, allowing them to improve their entire lifestyle by adopting healthier eating habits, exercising regularly, and generally taking better care of their health. Access to the technology by the general population will be crucial soon, and the patient must be fully aware and educated of the benefits and downsides, as well as the actual cost of genetic sequencing, before proceeding. The technology utilized for genetic sequencing represents a significant advancement in medical research. Over the last fifty years or so, researchers have worked tirelessly to improve whole genome sequencing technologies and better understand human DNA and RNA. When scientists and medical researchers have access to a significant number of genome sequences, they may examine patterns and compare sequences of different individuals to gain a better understanding of genetic inheritances, diseases, and environmental factors. Furthermore, we can test the biology of development and evolution by examining and comparing the sequencing of different animals, such as chimps. Newer and better technologies for genetic sequencing are being developed, such as the method of sequencing that requires observing DNA molecules copy themselves thousands of times. A microscope and a fast-moving camera are used to examine this; each nucleobase is represented by a distinct brilliant and vibrant colour that can be noticed and used to determine the nucleotide sequence. However, before the appearance of these newer and more modern technologies, the first methods of genome sequencing arose in the 1970s, and they were known as the Maxam-Gilbert method, the Sanger method, or the dideoxy method. When older generation genome sequencing technologies are compared to newer and more advanced technologies, they can rapidly sequence entire genomes for a low cost and in a short amount of time, providing us with information about disease-related genes as well as information to help us better understand our genetic make-up and diversity. To conclude, human genome sequencing technologies or genetic sequencing is an important technology that has multiple benefits. This technology is a huge step in the medical research field. Many people have used genome sequencing to help with medical diagnoses and to learn more about our genetic makeup, evolution, and inheritance.
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