What characterizes next generation sequencing methods?

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are characterized by their high-throughput capabilities, allowing for the sequencing of millions of fragments of DNA simultaneously. This high-throughput nature significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of sequencing compared to traditional methods. NGS encompasses a diverse range of platforms and technologies, each capable of producing vast amounts of data in a relatively short period and at a lower cost per base than previous methods, enabling applications such as whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and RNA sequencing.

The diversity of high-throughput approaches within NGS means that researchers can select the method that best suits their experimental needs, making NGS a versatile and powerful tool in genomics, transcriptomics, and other fields of biological research.