FIVS 316: BIOTECHNOLOGY & FORENSIC - Genome-Wide Technologies

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biotechnology, forensic science, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) based on the provided lecture notes.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

A modern sequencing technology that allows for the simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, significantly increasing throughput and efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Sanger Sequencing

A method of DNA sequencing based on the selective incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides, which was widely used before the advent of NGS.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

An international research endeavor aimed at mapping all the genes in the human genome, which took 13 years and billions of dollars.

Massive Parallelization

A key advantage of NGS that allows millions of DNA reactions to occur simultaneously, increasing throughput dramatically.

Cost Efficiency

A benefit of NGS that refers to the significantly reduced cost per base sequenced compared to older sequencing methods.

Flow Cell

A component used in NGS for amplifying and sequencing libraries, where each cluster represents a distinct spot containing multiple copies of an amplicon.

Cluster Generation

The process in which DNA fragments bind to a flow cell and are clonally amplified to form distinct clusters, each hosting multiple copies of a single DNA fragment.

Multiplexing

A method that allows multiple samples to be sequenced together by using unique index sequences for sorting and identifying individual samples.

Short-Read Sequencing

A type of sequencing that generates relatively short reads of DNA, typically between 50-300 base pairs, which are useful for high-throughput applications.

Long-Read Sequencing

A sequencing approach that produces much longer sequences of DNA (over 10 kb), which are beneficial for resolving complex genomic regions.

Ethical & Legal Challenges

Concerns associated with the handling of rich genetic data obtained from NGS, including issues of privacy and the need for legal frameworks to address potential misuse.

Base Calling

The process of converting sequenced images from NGS into specific nucleotide sequences.

Data Demultiplexing

The separation of mixed sequence reads from multiple samples based on index sequences to allow for individual sample analysis.

Reversible Terminators

Chemically modified nucleotides used in Illumina sequencing that allow for sequencing-by-synthesis via cleavage and blocking mechanisms.

Investigation Leads

Predictions of observable traits, such as hair and eye color, generated from genetic data that can assist in forensic investigations.

Quality Metrics

Measurements that assess the reliability and accuracy of sequencing data including cluster density and percentage of passing clusters.