Final answer:
The complete genome assembly after sequencing relies on computer programs to piece together overlapped fragments, forming a full contiguous sequence. The traditional shotgun method and advanced next-generation sequencing technologies both utilize software for efficient genome assembly.
Step-by-step explanation:
After sequencing reactions to determine the order of bases in DNA, the entire genome of an organism is assembled by looking for areas of overlap among the sequenced fragments. This process is facilitated using computer programs that automate the detection of sequence overlaps. In the initial Shotgun Sequencing method, DNA is fragmented, each segment is sequenced using chain-termination methods (also known as Sanger sequencing), and the sequences are analyzed to create a contiguous sequence or contig. Computer software aligns and overlaps these sequences efficiently, resulting in a complete reconstruction of the genome.
Next-generation sequencing technologies have further streamlined this process, enabling the sequencing of millions of small fragments rapidly. These methods include pyrosequencing and synthesis sequencing. The automated machines and software used in these methods have made the sequencing task cheaper, quicker, and safer.