Introduction to DNA Sequencing
Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology uses clonal amplification and sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry to enable rapid, accurate sequencing. The process simultaneously identifies DNA bases while incorporating them into a nucleic acid chain. Each base emits a unique fluorescent signal as it is added to the growing strand, which is used to determine the order of the DNA sequence.
NGS technology can be used to sequence the DNA from any organism, providing valuable information in response to almost any biological question. A highly scalable technology, DNA sequencing can be applied to small, targeted regions or the entire genome through a variety of methods, enabling researchers to investigate and better understand health and disease.
Benefits of DNA Sequencing With NGS
- Sequences large stretches of DNA in a massively parallel fashion, offering advantages in throughput and scale compared to capillary electrophoresis–based Sanger sequencing
- Provides high resolution to obtain a base-by-base view of a gene, exome, or genome
- Delivers quantitative measurements based on signal intensity
- Detects virtually all types of genomic DNA alterations, including single nucleotide variants, insertions and deletions, copy number changes, and chromosomal aberrations
- Offers high throughput and flexibility to scale studies and sequence multiple samples simultaneously
Benchtop DNA Sequencers
Compare the speed and throughput of Illumina DNA sequencing systems to find the best option for your lab.
Common DNA Sequencing Methods
Whole-Genome Sequencing
Whole-genome sequencing is the most comprehensive method for analyzing the genome. Rapidly dropping sequencing costs and the ability to obtain valuable information about the entire genetic code make this method a powerful research tool.
Targeted Resequencing
With targeted resequencing, a subset of genes or regions of the genome are isolated and sequenced, allowing scientists to focus time, expenses, and analysis on specific areas of interest.
Methylation Sequencing
Leveraging the power of NGS, both genome-wide analysis and targeted approaches can provide researchers with insight into DNA methylation patterns at a single nucleotide level.
ChIP Sequencing
By combining chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and sequencing, ChIP sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is a powerful method to identify genome-wide DNA binding sites for transcription factors and other proteins.
Library Prep for DNA Sequencing
Our versatile library prep portfolio allows you to examine small, targeted regions or the entire genome. We've innovated in PCR-free and on-bead fragmentation technology, offering time savings, flexibility, and increased sequencing data performance.
Learn More About DNA Library Prep
DNA Sequencing Methods Review
This collection of peer-reviewed publications contains pros and cons, schematic protocol diagrams, and related references for various DNA sequencing methods.
Read Review (PDF)
Featured Webinars
Capturing Hidden Meaning Through Multiomics
A key question driving interdisciplinary life science research is how to extract biological meaning from a wealth of genome-scale data. Scientists discuss integrated multiomic approaches that are uncovering “hidden” biological insights.
View WebinarIdentifying Pathogenic Organisms in the Background of the Microbiome
Metagenomic sequencing of non-human DNA and RNA from human microbiome samples can rapidly and precisely identify the etiology of infections. Dr. Lauge Farnaes explains how machine learning, well-curated databases, and other tools can help labs.
View WebinarRelated Solutions
Cancer DNA Sequencing
NGS-based sequencing methods allow cancer researchers to detect rare somatic variants, perform tumor-normal comparisons, and analyze circulating DNA fragments. Learn more about cancer sequencing.
Genotyping Solutions
Sequencing- and array-based genotyping technologies can provide insight into the functional consequences of genetic variation. Learn more about genotyping.
Cell-Free DNA Sequencing
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are short fragments of DNA released into the bloodstream. cfDNA from a maternal blood sample can be used to screen for common chromosomal conditions in the fetus. Learn more about cell-free DNA technology.
Microbial Sequencing
Analysis of microbial species using DNA sequencing can inform environmental metagenomics studies, infectious disease surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and more. Learn more about microbial sequencing methods.
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Additional Resources
NGS Technology
Discover the broad range of experiments you can perform with NGS, and find out how Illumina technology works.
Gene Panel and Array Finder
Identify sequencing panels or microarrays that target your genes of interest.
DNA Sequencing Data Analysis
Find intuitive analysis tools that transform raw DNA sequencing data into meaningful results.
Sequencing Troubleshooting Tips
These short videos provide expert tips for issues such as overclustering, inconsistent quantitation, and sequencing through the insert.
Methods Guide
All the information you need, from BeadChips to library preparation to sequencer selection and analysis. Select the best tools for your lab.
Find the Right Kit
Determine the best library prep kit or array for your needs based on your starting material and method of interest.