What are the different variations of Next Generation Sequencing? Explain in brief.
Next Generation Sequencing comes in multiple variations. The main variations include Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), which sequences the complete genome; Targeted resequencing (or targeted sequencing), which focuses on specific regions of interest; and Clinical exome sequencing, which sequences the protein-coding regions of the genome.
Other variations include Metagenomics, which involves sequencing of DNA or cDNA present in a microbial community. Chipseq and RNAseq are some of the advanced applications of sequencing technologies. Additionally, Nanopore sequencing is a recent advance that uses DNA helicase and porin-like molecules to identify base patterns in real-time, producing very long sequencing reads at relatively low cost.
Explanation
The textbook context explicitly lists the variations of Next Generation Sequencing in two places: (1) 'Next generation sequencing includes techniques, like whole genome sequencing (WGS), Targeted resequencing, clinical exome sequencing, etc., and Chipseq, RNAseq are some of the advance applications' and (2) 'Genome sequencing comes in multiple flavours or variations. This includes whole genome sequencing (WGS), targeted sequencing, metagenomics etc.' The nanopore sequencing is described under 'recent advances' but is still a relevant variation to mention for a complete answer worth 3 marks.