HISTORY & BASICS
Who discovered the Sanger sequencing method?
Frederick Sanger
Which enzyme builds the new DNA strand in Sanger sequencing?
DNA polymerase.
Do shorter DNA fragments travel farther or less in the gel?
Farther
What is the accuracy rate of Sanger sequencing?
About 99.99%
What major privacy concern comes from DNA sequencing?
Personal genetic data could be misused or shared without consent
What is another name for the Sanger method?
Chain termination method
What nucleotide type stops the DNA chain during sequencing?
Dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs)
What does each band in the gel represent?
A DNA fragment ending at a specific base
Why is Sanger better for small sequencing tasks?
It is faster and cheaper for short DNA regions
Name one harmful substance used in Sanger lab work
Toxic dyes, mutagenic chemicals, or reagents
In what year was the Sanger method discovered?
1977
Why do ddNTPs stop DNA strand growth?
They lack a 3’ OH group needed for bonding.
Where is the first base located when reading the gel?
At the bottom (shortest fragment)
Name one medical use of Sanger sequencing
Detecting disease-causing mutations
What environmental issue does sequencing contribute to?
Plastic and chemical waste from gels and tubes.
What does Sanger sequencing determine in DNA?
The exact order of bases (A, T, C, G)
How many tubes are used in the classic Sanger setup?
Four tubes (one for A, T, C, G)
How are different bases distinguished in modern Sanger sequencing?
By fluorescent dye colors
Why is Sanger sequencing important in research
It verifies plasmids, gene edits, and mutations with high reliability
What type of error could affect medical decisions?
Incorrect or contaminated sequencing results
Why is Sanger sequencing still used today?
It’s highly accurate and ideal for small-scale DNA sequencing.
What is the purpose of the primer?
It provides a starting point for DNA polymerase.
Why are there four lanes in the gel?
Each lane corresponds to fragments ending with A, T, C, or G
What type of output does Sanger sequencing produce that is easy to read?
Chromatograms with color peaks
What legal debate exists around DNA sequencing?
Who owns the DNA sample and the genetic information (Ex. Police In Canada)