Summary
Massively parallel methods that read millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, cutting cost and time.
In depth
Library preparation, amplification, parallel sequencing and bioinformatics assembly. Throughput increased about a million-fold since Sanger. Applications: whole genome, exome, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and metagenomics.
Library prep fragments DNA and adds adapters. Sequencing by synthesis detects fluorescent nucleotides as they are added. Depth and read length depend on the application.
Example: exome sequencing targets about 1 to 2 percent of the genome for rare disease diagnosis.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads millions to billions of short DNA fragments in parallel. In Illumina sequencing, fragments are attached to a flow cell, amplified into clusters and read by detecting fluorescent nucleotides added one at a time (sequencing by synthesis).
Costs fell faster than Moore's law, from millions of dollars per genome to hundreds. Uses include whole-genome and exome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, metagenomics and cancer panels. Short reads need assembly or mapping to a reference and struggle with repeats.
Example: sequencing newborns to detect rare disorders.
Remember: depth (coverage) matters for accuracy, since each base is read many times.
Frequently asked questions
What is Next-Generation Sequencing?
Massively parallel methods that read millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, cutting cost and time.
Which area of biology covers Next-Generation Sequencing, and how advanced is it?
Next-Generation Sequencing is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include DNA Sequencing, Long-Read Sequencing, Human Genome Project.
Can you give an example of Next-Generation Sequencing?
Newborn genome sequencing can detect hundreds of conditions.
What should I learn before Next-Generation Sequencing?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Next-Generation Sequencing. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Next-Generation Sequencing?
The closest topics to Next-Generation Sequencing are DNA Sequencing, Long-Read Sequencing, Human Genome Project, Polymerase Chain Reaction. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Next-Generation Sequencing?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Next-Generation Sequencing. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Next-Generation Sequencing different from DNA Sequencing?
Next-Generation Sequencing: Massively parallel methods that read millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, cutting cost and time. DNA Sequencing: Determining the order of bases, from Sanger chain termination to modern high-throughput methods. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Next-Generation Sequencing step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with DNA Sequencing and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.