Ion torrent sequencing

Definition

Ion torrent sequencing is a next-generation sequencing technology that uses semiconductor chips to detect the release of hydrogen ions during the polymerization of DNA. This method allows for real-time sequencing by measuring the changes in pH as nucleotides are incorporated into a growing DNA strand, making it faster and more cost-effective compared to traditional methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ion torrent sequencing was developed by Ion Torrent Systems, which was later acquired by Life Technologies in 2010.
2. This technology is distinct because it relies on measuring pH changes rather than optical signals, making it more compact and simpler than other sequencing platforms.
3. Ion torrent sequencing can produce results in hours to days, which is significantly faster than traditional methods that can take weeks.
4. The accuracy of ion torrent sequencing is generally high, but it can be affected by homopolymer regions, where several identical bases are consecutive in the DNA sequence.
5. This technology is commonly used in applications such as targeted resequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and metagenomics due to its affordability and speed.

Review Questions

• How does ion torrent sequencing differ from other next-generation sequencing technologies in terms of detection methods?
  • Ion torrent sequencing differentiates itself from other next-generation technologies primarily by using semiconductor technology to detect pH changes rather than relying on optical signals. As nucleotides are added during DNA synthesis, the release of hydrogen ions alters the pH of the solution, which is measured directly by the sensor chip. This real-time detection method makes ion torrent sequencing faster and allows for a more compact design compared to systems that depend on fluorescence-based detection.
• Discuss the advantages of ion torrent sequencing in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional Sanger sequencing.
  • Ion torrent sequencing offers significant advantages over traditional Sanger sequencing in both speed and cost-effectiveness. While Sanger sequencing typically takes weeks to generate results, ion torrent can deliver sequences within hours or days. Additionally, the cost per base for ion torrent is considerably lower, enabling larger-scale genomic studies to be conducted without prohibitive expenses. These benefits make ion torrent an attractive option for researchers needing quick and economical genomic data.
• Evaluate the impact of ion torrent sequencing technology on genomic research and its potential limitations in specific applications.
  • Ion torrent sequencing has had a profound impact on genomic research by providing a faster and cheaper means to sequence DNA, which facilitates large-scale studies and personalized medicine initiatives. However, potential limitations exist, particularly in its handling of homopolymer regions where accuracy can suffer due to difficulties in distinguishing between multiple identical bases. This limitation can affect the reliability of sequences derived from complex genomes or regions with high variability. Therefore, while ion torrent offers many advantages, researchers must be aware of these challenges when designing experiments.

Related terms

Sequencing by synthesis: A method of DNA sequencing where fluorescently labeled nucleotides are added one at a time to a growing DNA strand, and each incorporation emits a signal that can be detected.

Massively parallel sequencing: A high-throughput sequencing technique that allows for the simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, significantly increasing the speed and efficiency of genomic analysis.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS): A term used to describe advanced sequencing technologies that enable rapid sequencing of entire genomes at a lower cost and higher throughput than traditional Sanger sequencing.