DNA is, famously, made up of four types of nucleotide base, and it is the precise sequence of these bases along DNA that defines the identity of an individual gene. DNA sequencing is the technique used to uncover this genetic code. Advances in the speed and scale of DNA sequencing now mean that the entire DNA of any organism (its genome) can be rapidly determined, providing unprecedented insights into every aspect of biological research; from normal cell growth and function, to the evolution of species, and to understanding the molecular basis of disease. This analysis can also be extended to sequencing of RNA, revealing the timing and the level of activity of each gene.
The DNA Sequencing Facility has built up extensive expertise in both gene and genome sequencing, and if required can advise on every aspect of DNA or RNA sequencing, from sample preparation to data analysis. Its skilled technical team uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest quality data on a wide range of samples, with competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, for researchers from across the University of Cambridge and from academia and industry based further afield.