Sequencing Strategies and Tactics inDNAandRNAAnalysis

Abstract

The primary structure of nucleic acids is a key not only to physical and chemical properties of the molecules but also to the biological (genetic) information therein, including structures of genes and proteins, the ways of gene regulation and cell response to different signals. Sequencing procedures are aimed at the determination of sequences of monomer units constituting linear biopolymer molecules, DNA or RNA residues in case of nucleic acids. This article reviews existing sequencing strategies: different approaches of random or systematic sequencing applicable to long and unique DNA fragments, including entire genomes; massive sequencing of relatively short fragments such as RNAs and complementary DNAs (cDNAs); and comparative sequencing of related DNA fragments originating from various individuals or different species.