Utilizing MinION DNA Sequencer for Drosophila DNA
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Kristy Kakish
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Rongsun Pu
Abstract:
The MinION device represents a breakthrough in third-generation DNA sequencing technology, characterized by its compact size and portability, with the entire instrument weighing just 90 grams. At the heart of its innovative design is a flow cell that houses up to 2028 unique nanopores, which are crucial for its sequencing capabilities. The sequencing process involves the enzyme-driven movement of DNA molecules through these nanopores, enabling the device to read DNA sequences by analyzing changes in electrical conductivity as the molecules pass through. This process occurs twice for each molecule - first through the 'template read' and then through the 'complementary read' after traversing a hairpin structure, ensuring a thorough analysis.
However, the MinION device is not without its limitations, notably an error rate ranging between 5% to 20%, which poses challenges to its accuracy and reliability in sequencing applications. This study aims to critically assess the MinION sequencer's performance by conducting an experiment on the genomic DNA of wild type Drosophila melanogaster. By sequencing this well-studied organism's DNA and comparing the outcomes with established sequences in genomic databases, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the MinION's effectiveness and reliability in producing accurate DNA sequencing data. The findings from this experiment are expected to offer significant insights into the potential applications and limitations of the MinION device in genetic research and diagnostics, contributing to the ongoing development and optimization of DNA sequencing technologies.