Which of the following technological advances have made high-throughput sequencing possible?

Sourav PanSeptember 18, 2024

Answered

High-throughput sequencing has been made possible by several technological advances. Key advances include:

1. Automated Sample Preparation: Automation of sample preparation processes has streamlined the workflow, reducing manual labor and increasing throughput.
2. High-Density Microarrays: Advances in microarray technology allow for the simultaneous analysis of thousands to millions of sequences on a single chip.
3. Advanced Imaging and Detection: Improved imaging technologies, such as high-resolution cameras and detectors, enable the precise capture of sequencing data in real-time.
4. Fluorescent Labeling and Detection: The use of fluorescently labeled nucleotides and other reagents allows for the detection of nucleotide incorporation during sequencing.
5. Massively Parallel Sequencing: Technologies that enable the parallel sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, such as Illumina’s sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) and semiconductor-based sequencing platforms.
6. Bioinformatics and Computational Tools: Development of sophisticated bioinformatics tools and algorithms for data analysis, including software for sequence alignment, variant calling, and data visualization.

These advances collectively contribute to the efficiency, speed, and scale of high-throughput sequencing technologies, making them a cornerstone of modern genomics.