BRAINCAKEUsing DNA Sequencing to Manage Disease
DNA sequencing is now an important tool for preventing, diagnosing and treating disease.
Identifying pathogens
The DNA of a pathogen in a patient's sample can be sequenced to identify exactly which species and strain is causing the infection. This is faster than growing the pathogen in culture, so the right treatment can begin sooner.
Tracking outbreaks
Pathogens mutate as they spread. By comparing the genome sequences of samples from different patients, scientists can work out who infected whom, trace the source of an outbreak and follow the spread of new variants. This was used during the COVID-19 pandemic and is used to trace tuberculosis and hospital infections such as MRSA.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- genotype
- The genetic constitution of an organism; the alleles it possesses.
More in Gene Sequencing
- The Polymerase Chain Reaction
- How PCR Works
- DNA Sequencing
- Using DNA Sequencing
- Introns and Satellite DNA
- DNA Profiles
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Southern Blotting and Gene Probes
All 12 lessons in Gene Sequencing · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics