Final answer:
DNA sequencing includes fragmenting DNA, using the chain termination method for sequencing, identifying overlapping sequences with help from fluorescent dyes and computers, and reassembling the full DNA sequence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps of DNA Sequencing
The process of DNA sequencing involves several key steps. Initially, the DNA is cut into fragments, either randomly as in shotgun sequencing, or more specifically. These fragments are then sequenced using the chain termination method, developed by Frederick Sanger, which involves incorporation of dideoxynucleotides to terminate DNA synthesis at specific points. Once the sequencing is complete, the fragments, each marked with a unique fluorescent dye, are analyzed by a computer to identify the overlapping sequences.
This analysis allows for the reconstruction of the entire DNA fragment by organizing the sequences based on their overlaps, creating what is known as a contig. Various techniques under the umbrella of next-generation sequencing have made sequencing faster and more cost-effective, handling millions of base pairs in a single day with sophisticated software guiding the process of sequence assembly.