What is the Difference Between Shotgun Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Shotgun sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are two methods used in genome sequencing, but they differ in their approach and application.
Shotgun Sequencing:
- Breaks the genome into small fragments, which are then cloned, grown, isolated, and sequenced.
- Requires the assembly of sequenced fragments into the full genome using bioinformatics tools.
- Faster than other sequencing methods at the time, but still took over ten years to fully sequence the human genome.
- Used for the first human genome sequencing in 2001.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS):
- A faster sequencing approach that does not require cloning DNA fragments.
- DNA is extracted from an organism's tissue, fragmented, and then sequencing libraries are created by adding adapters.
- Sequencing libraries are loaded onto a sequencer, which uses platform-specific technology to detect millions of sequences simultaneously in a rapid way.
- Can sequence a human genome in just a single day.
In summary, the main difference between shotgun sequencing and next-generation sequencing is that shotgun sequencing requires breaking genomes into small fragments and sequencing and reassembling them, while NGS works on the principle of sequencing millions of sequences simultaneously in a rapid way without the need for cloning. Shotgun sequencing is a specific method of sequencing, while NGS refers to a collection of modern sequencing technologies, of which shotgun sequencing is one.
Comparative Table: Shotgun Sequencing vs Next Generation Sequencing
Here is a table comparing shotgun sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS):
| Feature | Shotgun Sequencing | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A method that sequences random fragments of DNA, relying on computational tools to reassemble the sequence. | A term used to refer to modern high-throughput sequencing technologies, which are faster, cheaper, and more efficient than traditional sequencing methods. |
| Efficiency | Faster and cheaper than traditional sequencing methods, making it a popular choice for studying bacteria, viruses, and yeast. | Offers unprecedented speed and high throughput, allowing for the sequencing of multiple individuals' DNA at the same time. |
| Sequencing Process | Involves fragmenting the entire genome into varying sizes, then sequencing each fragment using the chain termination method. | Sequences DNA molecules with a total size larger than 1, achieved by miniaturizing the volume of individual sequencing reactions. |
| Application | Commonly used for microbiome studies, where it can identify and profile bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many other types of microorganisms at the same time. | Suitable for various applications, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), targeted sequencing, and RNA sequencing. |
| Drawbacks | Requires significant software and computing resources and is prone to ambiguities and sequencing errors. | May not be as sensitive as some alternative methods, like 16S rRNA sequencing, for certain applications. |
Please note that shotgun sequencing is a specific method within the broader category of next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Clone by Clone Sequencing vs Shotgun Sequencing
- Hierarchical vs Whole Genome Shotgun Sequencing
- NGS vs Sanger Sequencing
- Microarray vs Next Generation Sequencing
- Genotyping vs Sequencing
- Gene Mapping vs Gene Sequencing
- Whole Genome Sequencing vs Exome Sequencing
- PCR vs DNA Sequencing
- Nanopore vs Illumina Sequencing
- Gene Sequencing vs DNA Fingerprinting
- Sanger Sequencing vs Pyrosequencing
- Exome vs RNA Sequencing
- NGS vs WGS
- Microarray vs RNA Sequencing
- DNA Profiling vs DNA Sequencing
- PCR Primers vs Sequencing Primers
- Genetics vs Genomics
- Conserved vs Consensus Sequence
- Original vs Mutated Sequences