Genome Analysis
Genetic information for all forms of life including humans is encoded in DNA, which consists of two elongated strands made up of four kinds of bases, identified by the letters A, C, G and T. A capillary array DNA sequencer is a device that allows researchers to efficiently and precisely decode the myriad base pairs from which DNA is constructed. To accomplish this, DNA fragments of varying lengths, each containing numerous copies of genetic data, are chemically labeled with fluorescent material. The fragments are then passed through an array of narrow, gel-filled capillaries where an electric field is applied in a process known as electrophoresis. The array is then irradiated by a laser, by which the fluorescence in the DNA fragments is detected. The resultant data is then analyzed by a computer connected to the device.
