Table 1.
Comparison of the main features of traditional Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing.
| Features | Sanger Sequencing | Next-Generation Sequencing |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Irreversible chain termination method using dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) | Different NGS platform uses different principles (e.g., Illumina—reversible chain termination) |
| Throughput | Low | High |
| Sequencing samples | Clones, PCR | DNA libraries |
| Preparation steps | Few; simple procedure | Many; complex procedure |
| Speed | Slow | Fast (WGS in 2 days) |
| Read length | 600–800 bp | 35–20,000 bp (depends on the platform) |
| Data | 1 read | Millions of reads |
| Data accuracy | 99% | 99.999% |
| Run cost | Cost-effective for low number of targets | Cost-effective for high number of targets |
| Data interpretation | Electrophoresis gel | Bioinformatic analysis |
bp, base pair; ddNTP, dideoxynucleotide; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; NGS, next-generation sequencing; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; WGS, whole genome sequencing.