Unlocking Life’s Blueprint: The Wonders of DNA Sequencing
DNA, often called the blueprint of life, carries the instructions for building and maintaining every living organism. Every human, animal, and plant carries DNA that determines traits, functions, and even susceptibilities to diseases. But understanding this complex molecule wasn’t always possible. Enter DNA sequencing—a revolutionary technique that allows scientists to read and interpret the code of life in remarkable detail.
At its core, DNA sequencing involves determining the precise order of the four chemical bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)—that make up the DNA molecule. By decoding these sequences, researchers gain insights into genetics, evolution, and even personalized medicine. What once took years to decipher can now be accomplished in mere hours thanks to technological advancements.
One of the earliest breakthroughs in DNA sequencing came in the 1970s with the development of the Sanger method. This technique, while labor-intensive,…