In which method are the dideoxynucleotides utilized?

The correct choice is based on the specific role dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) play in DNA sequencing techniques. In the Sanger method, also known as chain-termination sequencing, ddNTPs are incorporated during DNA synthesis. These modified nucleotides lack a 3' hydroxyl group, which prevents further elongation of the DNA strand once they are added. This results in the termination of the DNA chain at various lengths, depending on where each ddNTP was incorporated.

As a consequence of this process, a mixture of different-length DNA fragments is generated, each ending with a ddNTP. These fragments can then be separated by size using gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis and analyzed to determine the sequence of the original DNA template.

Other methods mentioned, such as next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics sequencing, utilize different approaches that do not rely on the incorporation of dideoxynucleotides for strand termination; they often work with labeled nucleotides, parallel processing, or computational analysis of sequenced fragments. The Ma’am-Gilbert sequencing, while historical like the Sanger method, is not as commonly referenced and does not specifically highlight the use of dideoxynucle