How is DNA sequencing performed?

DNA sequencing is a process used to determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. The correct answer highlights two well-established methods: Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

Sanger sequencing, developed in the 1970s, utilizes a technique known as chain termination, where modified nucleotides are incorporated into a growing DNA strand during replication. This method allows researchers to determine the sequence of a short stretch of DNA and is particularly useful for smaller-scale sequencing projects or confirming sequences identified by other methods.

Next-generation sequencing technologies, on the other hand, represent a significant advancement in the field, allowing for massively parallel sequencing of millions of DNA fragments simultaneously. These technologies have revolutionized genomics by enabling rapid and cost-effective sequencing of entire genomes, exomes, or targeted regions of interest, making them invaluable in research and clinical settings.

The other methods mentioned in the incorrect options do not encompass the comprehensive nature of DNA sequencing. Manual electrophoresis techniques, for instance, are primarily analytical methods used to separate nucleic acids based on size, rather than a means of directly sequencing DNA. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used for separating and analyzing various compounds but is not solely dedicated to DNA sequencing. Lastly