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Next-generation Sequencing

Next-generation Sequencing

The first human genome sequencing project cost $2.7 billion and was declared complete in 2003, after 15 years of international cooperation and collaboration between several research teams and funding agencies. Today, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost and time of sequencing a human genome have dropped over 100 fold.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.

DNA as a Genetic Template

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...

DNA as a Genetic Template

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.

The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation

DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation

Published on: December 29, 2021

Next-generation digital information storage in DNA.

George M Church¹, Yuan Gao, Sriram Kosuri

¹Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|August 21, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists encoded a 5.27-megabit book into DNA, demonstrating its potential as a dense and stable digital storage medium. This breakthrough leverages advances in DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies for future data archiving.

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Plasmid-derived DNA Strand Displacement Gates for Implementing Chemical Reaction Networks

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DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation

DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation

Published on: December 29, 2021

Plasmid-derived DNA Strand Displacement Gates for Implementing Chemical Reaction Networks

Plasmid-derived DNA Strand Displacement Gates for Implementing Chemical Reaction Networks

Published on: November 25, 2015

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Bioinformatics
Data Storage

Background:

Exponential growth in digital data necessitates novel, high-density, and long-term archival solutions.
Current storage methods face limitations in density, stability, and longevity.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) offers unparalleled information density and exceptional stability.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a method for encoding arbitrary digital data into DNA.
To demonstrate the feasibility of writing and reading substantial amounts of digital information using DNA.
To assess DNA's viability as a practical medium for digital information storage and archiving.

Main Methods:

A novel strategy was devised to convert digital binary data into a DNA sequence.
DNA synthesis technologies were employed to physically write the encoded information onto DNA microchips.
Next-generation DNA sequencing was utilized to retrieve and decode the stored digital information.

Main Results:

Successfully encoded and synthesized a 5.27-megabit digital book within DNA molecules.
Achieved accurate retrieval and reconstruction of the complete digital book from the synthesized DNA.
Demonstrated the high-density storage capability of DNA for digital information.

Conclusions:

DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies provide a feasible pathway for digital data storage.
DNA microchips offer a robust platform for archiving large volumes of digital information.
This research validates DNA as a promising medium for long-term, high-density data archiving.