DNA sequencing:the key to unveiling genome

摘要

The genome, containing total genetic material in the organism, i.e., DNA, and RNA for some viruses, encodes the information needed for all life activity. Besides the DNA in cell nucleus, mitochondrial DNA and chloroplast DNA are also important components of the genome. Using high-throughput sequencing, a tremendous amount of genomic data has been obtained. Currently, 1,704 archaeal, 26,075 bacterial, 16,837 viral, and 4,688 eukaryotic genomes have been sequenced and submitted to the GenBank database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome). These abundant sequences have greatly accelerated basic research, in areas such as gene function, genomic diversity and structure, and even life origins and evolution. This review summarizes current knowledge of genome structure and genomic evolution, and advanced sequencing technologies.