Nanopore sequencing

Nanopore sequencing is a 3rd generation sequencing method used for the sequencing of biomolecules like DNA and RNA.
Most of the DNA sequencing methods requires the target DNA to be amplifed by PCR. However nanopore sequencing method can sequence single molecule of DNA or RNA without the need for PCR amplification.

The nanopore sequencing machine is very small. It uses a very small chamber having a hole with few nano-meters in diameter. DNA or RNA is introduced in the chamber through the sample inlet. After introduction the sample molecule remains in one side of the chamber. When an electric field is applied the DNA or RNA starts moving to the other side of the chamber through the pore. During this process a small voltage is applied across the pore.This voltage in turn gives rise to current which can easily be measured. The magnitude of the current depends on the base composition of the polynucleotide chain. Hence just by measuring the magnitude of electric current across the nanopore the base composition of the polynucleotide chain can be obtained.