Genomics, Genetics
Genomics is an academic discipline that studies the structure (base sequence) and function of the genome. The term genome refers to all the genetic information in a cell and genomics studies the base sequence of this genetic information. Genomics elucidates genetic mechanisms by identifying the genes involved in a given mechanism and analyzing the functions and interactions of those genes.
CRISPR/Cas9, the genome editing technology that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, is easier to handle than conventional gene transfer methods and is superior in terms of efficiency and cost. For this reason, genome editing is being actively studied for practical use in various fields, such as medicine, food, and even chemical synthesis by microorganisms. Genome editing begins with obtaining a mutant individual in which a desired mutation is introduced into the target gene, but it is very time-consuming to find the desired mutant individual among those that have been mutated. There are several methods for selection, such as DNA sequencing and Heteroduplex Mobility Assay (HMA) .
First-generation DNA sequencing technology is based on Sanger’s method developed in 1977 and popularized DNA sequencing as a mainstream analytical technique. Through the late 20th century and into the early 21st century, various genome sequencing projects were launched throughout the world. These projects eventually led to the completion of the human genome in 2003. This was followed by the development of other DNA techniques and second and third-generation DNA sequencing technology, collectively referred to as next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Compared to first-generation sequencing, NGS technology greatly reduces the cost and time involved in DNA sequencing and is seeing rapid adoption in a range of areas from basic research to medical applications.
Ampdirect technology eliminates the need for nucleic acid purification and enables simple and rapid PCR. In general, blood and animal and plant tissues contain large amounts of substances that inhibit enzyme reactions, so it is necessary to purify nucleic acids from samples for analysis using PCR and other methods. Ampdirect PCR buffer suppresses the effects of PCR inhibitors in the sample, allowing PCR to be performed without purification of nucleic acids from various samples including blood, animal and plant tissues, and SDS.
Species and even individuals have unique genetic information. By analyzing and comparing the unique and standards gene sequences of the species or the individuals, genetic differences can be detected. Conversely, the differences are used to identify the species or the individuals.