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Automation of DNA Sequencing: A System to Perform the Sanger Dideoxysequencing Reactions

Abstract

The determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of large DNA molecules is a tedious and time-consuming process. The repetitive nature of the task makes it an ideal subject for automation. We report here a system designed and constructed to perform the chain termination reactions of the Sanger sequencing procedure automatically. It is capable of carrying out these reactions for from five to twelve DNA templates at one time. The system takes 12 minutes to dispense 12 templates, add the reagents and mix them; the complete cycle time, including incubations, is 45 minutes.

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Martin, W., Warmington, J., Galinski, B. et al. Automation of DNA Sequencing: A System to Perform the Sanger Dideoxysequencing Reactions. Nat Biotechnol 3, 911–915 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1085-911

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