Next-generation sequencing technology is also called high-throughput sequencing technology. This technology is developed on the basis of first-generation sequencing technology. It has higher sequencing throughput and lower cost, and can sequence a large number of DNA molecules simultaneously.

1. Main advantages of second-generation sequencing technology:

1. High-throughput: This is one of the most significant features of second-generation sequencing technology. NGS can process millions to billions of DNA fragments simultaneously, greatly increasing sequencing throughput. This makes it possible to sequence large-scale genomes in a short time, accelerating the progress of genomics research.

2. Low cost: With the continuous development and maturity of technology, the cost of NGS sequencing is gradually decreasing. This enables more research institutions and clinical laboratories to afford sequencing costs and promotes the popularization and application of sequencing technology.

3. High sensitivity: NGS technology can detect low-abundance mutations and variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), insertion/deletion (INDEL), structural variation (SV), etc. This is of great significance to fields such as disease diagnosis and drug development.

4. Wide range of applications: NGS technology is not only suitable for genome sequencing, but can also be used in many fields such as transcriptome sequencing and epigenome sequencing. This allows researchers to gain in-depth understanding of the genetic information and gene expression regulatory mechanisms of organisms from multiple perspectives.

5. Fast data processing capabilities: With the development of computer technology and bioinformatics, the massive data generated by NGS can be processed and analyzed in a short time. This enables researchers to obtain results faster and make scientific decisions accordingly.

6. Promote personalized medicine: NGS technology is increasingly used in clinical diagnosis, providing strong support for personalized medicine. By sequencing and analyzing patient genomes, doctors can develop more precise treatment plans, improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.

7. Promote the research and development of new drugs: NGS technology can help researchers deeply understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases, discover new drug targets, and accelerate the process of new drug research and development. This is of great significance for improving human health.

2. Key features of second-generation sequencing technology:

1. High-throughput: Compared with first-generation sequencing, second-generation sequencing technology can process millions to billions of DNA fragments simultaneously, greatly improving sequencing throughput.

2. Low cost: Due to the ability to process a large number of DNA fragments at the same time, the cost of second-generation sequencing technology is relatively low, making large-scale genome sequencing possible.

3. Sequencing while synthesizing: Second-generation sequencing technology introduces the concept of reversible termination ends, and determines the sequence of DNA by capturing special markers (such as fluorescent molecular markers) carried by newly added bases, realizing sequencing while synthesizing. process.

4. Short read length: Although second-generation sequencing technology has the advantage of high-throughput, its read length is relatively short, generally no more than 500bp. This limits its use in certain applications requiring longer read sequences.

5. Wide application: Due to these characteristics of second-generation sequencing technology, it has wide applications in many fields such as genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. For example, it plays an important role in gene mutation detection, exploration of tumor molecular pathogenesis, and clinical diagnosis and treatment guidance.

6. Diverse technology platforms: There are currently a variety of second-generation sequencing technology platforms on the market. Each of these platforms has its own characteristics and is suitable for different application scenarios.