In the field of genomics, two notable methodologies for DNA sequencing have risen to prominence: Primer Walking Sequencing and Shotgun Sequencing. These techniques, although distinct in their approaches, stand as indispensable instruments for deciphering the intricacies inherent within the genetic code. This discourse endeavors to dissect the nuances of both methodologies, elucidating their fundamental principles, […]

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as one of the primary vectors for gene therapy. This is because it has many desirable properties, including lack of pathogenicity, efficient infection of dividing and non-dividing cells, and sustained maintenance of the viral genome. With an excellent safety profile in numerous preclinical studies and hundreds of clinical trials […]

Functional metagenomics is a powerful method for discovering new biocatalysts from a wide range of environmental samples. The building of metagenomic libraries is usually accompanied by the selection of clones expressing the desired phenotype, such as enzymatic or antimicrobial activity, antibiotic/xenobiotic resistance, or the capacity to disintegrate toxic compounds or environmental pollutants. Gene annotation is […]

In the past decade, second-generation sequencing has been rapidly developed and widely used in the studies of genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics of many species. It also acts as an important technological support for pharmacy, diagnosis, and many other fields. In recent years, second-generation sequencing has been increasingly used to monitor protein translation. Combining ribosome profiling […]

What Is DNA Sequencing? DNA sequencing refers to the method employed to determine the order of the four nucleotide bases—adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine—that constitute a DNA molecule and convey critical genetic information. Within the DNA double helix, these four bases pair with specific partners to form units known as base pairs (bp): adenine (A) […]

What Is Sanger Sequencing? Sanger sequencing, also known as the “chain termination method,” was developed by the English biochemist Frederick Sanger and his colleagues in 1977. This method is designed for determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a piece of DNA (commonly less than 1,000 bp in length). Sanger sequencing with 99.99% base accuracy […]

What Is Chloroplast Chloroplasts, cellular organelles also referred to as plastids, are present in plant cells and certain protozoa such as algae and cyanobacteria. They serve as the site for the synthesis of proteins encoded by chloroplast DNA and play a pivotal role in photosynthesis. Indeed, chloroplasts act as the cell’s food producers, converting solar […]

Mitochondria are recognized as the powerhouse of the cell since they help convert oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria are small organelles (usually 0.75~3 micrometers), found in nearly all types of human cells except mature red blood cells, as well as cells of other eukaryotes (such as […]