Question

Select all of the following that are required for the first-generation DNA sequencing method:

a) DNA polymerase
b) Radioactive isotopes
c) Gel electrophoresis
d) Chain-terminating nucleotides

Answer 1

The first-generation DNA sequencing method, or Sanger sequencing, requires DNA polymerase, chain-terminating nucleotides, gel electrophoresis, and radioactive isotopes or fluorescent labels for detecting DNA fragments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first-generation DNA sequencing method, also known as Sanger sequencing, requires several key components to function.

• DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands using a DNA template.
• Chain-terminating nucleotides (dideoxynucleotides or ddNTPs) are special versions of nucleotides that cause DNA synthesis to stop when incorporated into the DNA strand.
• Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments by size in order to analyze the length of sequencing products resulting from chain termination.
• Radioactive isotopes or fluorescence labeling are used to detect the DNA fragments during or after electrophoresis.

Notably, the chain termination method and DNA polymerase are crucial for the synthesis and termination of the new DNA strand, while gel electrophoresis is essential for analyzing the sequencing results.