AP®BiologyCollege BoardStudy GuidesUnit 6: Gene Expression & RegulationBiotechnology: Genetic Engineering TechniquesDNA Sequencing

DNA Sequencing (College Board AP® Biology): Study Guide

Cara Head

Written by: Cara Head

Reviewed by: Ruth Brindle

Updated on

DNA sequencing

  • DNA sequencing allows the nucleotide base sequence of an organism's genetic material to be identified

  • Advances in technology have enabled the development of rapid sequencing methods which allow scientists to sequence the genomes of organisms very quickly

    • Most sequencing methods are now automated rather than requiring manual interpretation

  • The data obtained from sequencing can be entered into computers with specialized programmes that compare the base sequences of different organisms

DNA sequences in blocks with species names on the left: Pheropsophus, Brachinus armiger, Brachinus hirsutus, Aptinus, Pseudomorpha.
DNA sequencing allows the nucleotide base sequences in different species to be determined

  • Many sequencing techniques produce a DNA fingerprint

    • This is a unique pattern of DNA fragments

    • DNA fingerprints allow direct comparison of DNA sequences from different samples

  • Uses of DNA sequence data include:

    • forensic identification: matching DNA samples to individuals

    • phylogenetic analysis: comparing sequences between species to study evolutionary relationships

    • personalised medicine: identifying mutations to design targeted treatments

    • organism identification: amplified DNA fragments can be sequenced and compared with databases to classify or identify species

Diagram showing DNA differences among species over time. Common chimp, pygmy chimp, and human have minimal differences compared to gorilla and orang-utan.
DNA sequencing can be used to perform phylogenetic analyses to compare relatedness of organisms

Examiner Tips and Tricks

The details of DNA sequencing techniques are not required for the AP Exam.

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Cara Head

    Author: Cara Head

    Expertise: Biology & Psychology Content Creator

    Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding

    Ruth Brindle

    Reviewer: Ruth Brindle

    Expertise: Biology Content Creator

    Ruth graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Biology and went on to teach Science in London whilst also completing an MA in innovation in Education. With 10 years of teaching experience across the 3 key science disciplines, Ruth decided to set up a tutoring business to support students in her local area. Ruth has worked with several exam boards and loves to use her experience to produce educational materials which make the mark schemes accessible to all students.