Advances in Speed and Cost
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is now rapid and affordable, transforming biological and medical research.
- It currently underpins studies of evolutionary relationships and genomic variation.
- Future uses in personalized medicine, environmental monitoring, and agriculture are expanding rapidly.
| Year | Approx. Cost per Genome | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | >$3 billion | 10+ years |
| 2025 | < $1,000 | < 24 hours |
Definition
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a DNA sequencing technique that determines the order of all or most of an organism's DNA bases.
Current Applications of WGS
- Comparative genomics: Aligning DNA sequences identifies conserved genes (essential functions) and divergent genes (adaptive traits).
- Molecular clocks: Mutation rates estimate divergence times between species.
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT): Reveals genes transferred between unrelated species, such as antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria.
WGS allows scientists to trace shared ancestry and evolutionary innovation with high precision.
Potential Future Applications
- Personalized Medicine
- Disease risk prediction: Identifies variants linked to inherited disorders or predisposition to disease.
- Pharmacogenomics: Matches drug choice and dosage to individual genetic profiles.
- Gene therapy: Guides genome-editing treatments (e.g., CRISPR) to correct faulty genes.
- Environmental and Agricultural Uses
- eDNA monitoring: Detects organisms from trace DNA in water, soil, or air—useful for tracking biodiversity and invasive species.
- Precision agriculture: Identifies genes for drought tolerance, pest resistance, and higher yields.
- Preventive Genomic Health
- Routine genome sequencing at birth could identify risk alleles early, supporting preventive healthcare and lifelong monitoring.
- What does whole genome sequencing determine?
- How has the cost and speed of WGS changed since 2003?
- What are three current uses of WGS in evolutionary biology?
- How does WGS contribute to personalized medicine?
- What ethical challenges are associated with genomic data use?
