Final answer:
Sequence mapping is considered superior among gene mapping techniques due to its precision and is essential in medical genetics for identifying disease-causing mutations and creating personalized therapies. It is a cornerstone of modern genomics, contributing detailed information to central databases and advancing research globally.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene mapping is a key process in genomics used to determine the location of genes on chromosomes. There are several methods used, including cytogenetic mapping, which uses stains to visualize chromosomes under a microscope; radiation hybrid mapping, which breaks DNA using radiation and creates maps unaffected by recombination frequency; and sequence mapping, which utilizes DNA sequencing technology to enable precise physical mapping of genomes.
Unlike the other techniques, sequence mapping allows scientists to determine the exact order of the base pairs in DNA, providing a high-resolution map. Its precision makes it invaluable for understanding genetic disorders and developing targeted treatments, exemplified in the effort to find treatments for genetically based cancers. By knowing the exact sequence of DNA, researchers can identify mutations that may contribute to such diseases and create personalized treatment plans. Sequence mapping feeds data into central databases like GenBank, making the information accessible for ongoing research worldwide. It underlies technologies like microarray analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing, which are instrumental in medical and genetic research.