What defines Sanger sequencing?

Sanger sequencing, developed by Frederick Sanger in the 1970s, is characterized by a method that involves reading each base of DNA one time. This technique utilizes chain-terminating inhibitors, allowing for the detection of the DNA sequence by generating fragments of various lengths that correspond to different positions in the sequence being analyzed.

The focus on cost-effectiveness comes from the fact that Sanger sequencing typically processes one DNA fragment at a time and is often used for smaller scale sequencing projects, such as generating sequences of individual genes or short pieces of DNA, rather than whole genomes.

In contrast, methods like next-generation sequencing involve analyzing multiple fragments simultaneously (which would be represented by another option), making them more suitable for projects requiring high throughput or the sequencing of large genomes. Sanger sequencing's one-time read per base is also what allows it to maintain a high level of accuracy, albeit at a higher cost per base compared to newer technologies. Thus, its emphasis on cost-effectiveness alongside the straightforward approach of analyzing each base singularly defines Sanger sequencing in the context of molecular genetics.