Understanding the genetic code

NGS technology enables massively parallel DNA analysis for a deeper understanding of biology

DNA Sequencing

Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology uses clonal amplification and sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry to enable rapid, accurate sequencing. The process simultaneously identifies DNA bases while incorporating them into a nucleic acid chain. Each base emits a unique fluorescent signal as it is added to the growing strand, which is used to determine the order of the DNA sequence.

NGS technology can be used to sequence the DNA from any organism, providing valuable information in response to almost any biological question. A highly scalable technology, DNA sequencing can be applied to small, targeted regions or the entire genome through a variety of methods, enabling researchers to investigate and better understand health and disease.

Decade of Sequencing
Genetic Analysis Technologies

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  • Sequences large stretches of DNA in a massively parallel fashion, offering advantages in throughput and scale compared to capillary electrophoresis–based Sanger sequencing
  • Provides high resolution to obtain a base-by-base view of a gene, exome, or genome
  • Delivers quantitative measurements based on signal intensity
  • Detects virtually all types of genomic DNA alterations, including single nucleotide variants, insertions and deletions, copy number changes, and chromosomal aberrations
  • Offers high throughput and flexibility to scale studies and sequence multiple samples simultaneously
Benchtop DNA Sequencers

Compare the speed and throughput of Illumina DNA sequencing systems to find the best option for your lab.

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Whole-Genome Sequencing

Whole-genome sequencing is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes. Rapidly dropping costs and the ability to produce large volumes of data with today’s sequencers make this a powerful research tool.

Targeted Resequencing

With targeted resequencing, a subset of genes or regions of the genome are isolated and sequenced, allowing scientists to focus time, expenses, and analysis on specific areas of interest.

Exome Sequencing

This DNA sequencing method involves analyzing the protein-coding regions of the genome to uncover genetic influences on disease and population health.

Target Enrichment

Target enrichment captures genomic regions of interest through hybridization and allows researchers to reliably sequence large numbers of genes (typically > 50 genes) at once.

Methylation Sequencing

Leveraging the power of NGS, both genome-wide analysis and targeted approaches can provide researchers with insight into DNA methylation patterns at a single nucleotide level.

ChIP Sequencing

By combining chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and sequencing, ChIP-Seq is a powerful method to identify genome-wide DNA binding sites for transcription factors and other proteins.

Our versatile library prep portfolio allows you to examine small, targeted regions or the entire genome. We've innovated in PCR-free and on-bead fragmentation technology, offering time savings, flexibility, and increased sequencing data performance.

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Blue DNA Helix

This collection of peer-reviewed publications contains pros and cons, schematic protocol diagrams, and related references for various DNA sequencing methods.

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DNA Sequencing Methods Publication Review Cover
Capturing Hidden Meaning Through Multiomics
Omics

A key question driving interdisciplinary life science research is how to extract biological meaning from a wealth of genome-scale data. Scientists discuss integrated multiomic approaches that are uncovering “hidden” biological insights.

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Identifying Pathogenic Organisms in the Background of the Microbiome
Gut Microbes

Metagenomic sequencing of non-human DNA and RNA from human microbiome samples can rapidly and precisely identify the etiology of infections. Dr. Lauge Farnaes explains how machine learning, well-curated databases, and other tools can help labs.

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Cancer DNA Sequencing
Cancer DNA Sequencing

NGS-based sequencing methods allow cancer researchers to detect rare somatic variants, perform tumor-normal comparisons, and analyze circulating DNA fragments. Learn more about cancer sequencing.

Genotyping Solutions
Samples for Genotyping

Sequencing- and array-based genotyping technologies can provide insight into the functional consequences of genetic variation. Learn more about genotyping.

Cell-Free DNA Sequencing
Cell-Free DNA Technology

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are short fragments of DNA released into the bloodstream. cfDNA from a maternal blood sample can be used to screen for common chromosomal conditions in the fetus. Learn more about cell-free DNA technology.

Microbial Sequencing
Microbial Sequencing

Analysis of microbial species using DNA sequencing can inform environmental metagenomics studies, infectious disease surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and more. Learn more about microbial sequencing methods.

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DNA Helix
NGS Technology

Discover the broad range of experiments you can perform with NGS, and find out how Illumina technology works.

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Sequencing Data Analysis
DNA Sequencing Data Analysis

Find intuitive analysis tools that transform raw DNA sequencing data into meaningful results.

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Sequencing Troubleshooting Tips
Sequencing Troubleshooting Tips

These short videos provide expert tips for issues such as overclustering, inconsistent quantitation, and sequencing through the insert.

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