Sequence determination is spelled /ˈsiːkwəns dɪtəmɪˈneɪʃən/. The first syllable begins with the "see" sound /siː/, followed by the "kw" sound /kw/ in the second syllable. The third syllable begins with a short "i" sound /ɪ/ and then the "t" sound /t/. The fourth syllable begins with the "uh" sound /ə/ followed by the "m" sound /m/ and the "ih" sound /ɪ/. The final syllable begins with the "nay" sound /neɪ/ and ends with the "shun" sound /ʃən/.
Sequence determination is the process of acquiring and determining the exact order of nucleotide bases within a DNA or RNA molecule. It is a fundamental technique in molecular biology that allows us to decipher the genetic code and understand the structure and function of genes. This process involves various experimental methods and computational approaches to accurately determine the sequence of nucleotides making up a specific genetic molecule.
In the field of genetics, DNA sequencing is the primary method used for sequence determination. It involves the laboratory techniques and technologies used to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule. This can be achieved using different sequencing platforms, such as Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and more recent advancements like nanopore sequencing. RNA sequencing is a similar technique used specifically for determining the sequence of RNA molecules.
Sequence determination is a critical step in many areas of biological research and has numerous applications in medicine, agriculture, evolutionary biology, and molecular diagnostics. It allows scientists to study and compare genomes, understand genetic variation, identify disease-causing mutations, track the evolution of species, and much more. The data obtained from sequence determination experiments are often analyzed using computational methods to interpret the biological significance of the sequence and to extract meaningful information about gene expression, protein structure, and evolutionary relationships.
Overall, sequence determination is an essential tool in molecular biology that provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup and functions of living organisms. Its applications continue to expand with technological advancements, contributing to advancing our understanding of biology and improving various fields of research and industry.
The word "sequence determination" is composed of two main parts: "sequence" and "determination".
1. "Sequence" comes from the Latin word "sequi", meaning "to follow". It entered the English language in the early 14th century and initially referred to the act of following in a particular order or succession.
2. "Determination" also has Latin roots, derived from the word "determinare", meaning "to settle, decide". It entered English in the 14th century and refers to the act of making a firm decision or settling a matter.
When combined, "sequence determination" refers to the process of establishing or identifying the particular order or arrangement of something. It is commonly used in various fields, such as genetics, where it specifically relates to determining the precise order of nucleotides or amino acids in a given molecule.