Question: Recently Scientists from which of the following country have decoded the longest continuous DNA Sequence?
(a) USA
(b) UK
(c) France
(d) Japan
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
- Scientists at Nottingham University have decoded the longest continuous DNA sequence to date, measuring around 10,000 times longer than normal sequencing reads and twice as long as the previous record holder. In normal sequencing, DNA is divided into fragments and subsequently reassembled as the sequence is being read.
- The research team, led by Dr. Matt Loose from Nottingham University, used human DNA to continuously sequence 2.3 million base pairs. The most common length of DNA to be read is 150 base pairs. Continuous measurement of DNA was achieved using a “nanopore” sequencing machine.
DNA Sequencing:- - DNA sequencing is a method used to determine the precise order of the four nucleotide bases – adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine – that make up a strand of DNA. These bases provide the underlying genetic basis (the genotype) for telling a cell what to do, where to go and what kind of cell to become (the phenotype).
- Nucleotides are not the only determinants of phenotypes, but are essential to their formation. Each individual and organism has a specific nucleotide base sequence.
Links:
https://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/british-scientists-break-record-for-decoding-longest-dna-sequence/
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46046024
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20181101/Scientists-Decode-the-Longest-Ever-Continuous-DNA-Sequence.aspx
http://www.whatisbiotechnology.org/index.php/science/summary/sequencing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_sequencing