What is the main purpose of DNA sequencing?

The main purpose of DNA sequencing is to determine the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule. This process involves identifying the sequence of the four nucleotide bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)—which are the building blocks of DNA. Knowing the precise order of these nucleotides is crucial for understanding genetic information, gene structure, and function, as it allows scientists to read the genetic instructions encoded within an organism’s DNA.

This information is fundamental to various fields, including genetics, molecular biology, and genomics, as it enables researchers to compare genes across different species, identify mutations associated with diseases, and explore the relationships between genotype and phenotype. Additionally, DNA sequencing is instrumental in applications such as personalized medicine, evolutionary biology, and biotechnology.