What is the Sanger method of sequencing known for?

The Sanger method of sequencing, also known as chain-termination sequencing, is renowned for its use of dideoxynucleotides to create DNA fragments of varying lengths. In this process, dideoxynucleotides are incorporated into the growing DNA chain during replication, which causes the chain to terminate because these nucleotides lack a 3' hydroxyl group necessary for further elongation. As a result, this generates a set of DNA fragments that can be analyzed to determine the sequence of the original DNA template.

Studying the fragments produced during this method allows researchers to read the original sequence by employing techniques such as gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis. This method has been foundational in the field of genetics and has paved the way for sequencing technologies used today, albeit with less emphasis on high-throughput techniques compared to more recent advancements. The use of dideoxynucleotides is what makes this method distinctive and is why it is primarily recognized for this notable characteristic.