RNA/DNA Extraction
Before a sequence can be determined from a genetic element, it must be isolated from its sample. In the case of sequencing the Ebola genome, RNA isolates were required from human blood samples. To learn more about the kinds of kits available for this kind of isolation protocol, check out the following Life Technologies link: Life Technologies Extraction Kits
Sanger Sequencing
Along with PCR techniques, the sequencing method developed by Frederick Sanger in 1977 was integral to early efforts in gene sequencing. In this technique, nucleotides are added to a growing strand of DNA. When dideoxyribonucleotides are added instead of deoxyribonucleotides, no further nucleotides can be added. Since these nucleotides are usually fluorescently tagged, running a gel electrophoresis on these replicated fragments and measuring fluorescence at a certain point can give us the hints we need to determine the sequence. To get a better understanding for this method, check out this link: Sanger Method of DNA Sequencing
Although this technique has become antiquated in the last decade, it is important to note that this method was the technology used to sequence the first human genome in 2001 and played an important role in methodically decreasing the price of gene sequencing from the late 80’s to the mid 2000s.
Illumina Sequencing (Illumina Official Website)
After the former reign of Sanger sequencing, the development of novel gene sequencing technologies such as Illumina dye sequencing have made dramatic changes to the cost for sequencing every megabase pair of nucleotides:
In the past ten years, genome sequencing costs have plummeted at a rate greater than even the famous Moore’s Law could predict.
To learn more about how the Illumina sequencing process works, check out the video below:
Ebola Resources
After all that discussion in class about Ebola, you might still have some questions about the epidemiology or molecular characterization of the disease. If you’re still curious, check out the resources below for more information:
Fundamentals of Synthetic Biology 