What is the Difference Between Gene Sequencing and DNA Fingerprinting

The main difference between gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting is that the gene sequencing is involved in the identification of the nucleotide sequence of a gene whereas the DNA fingerprinting is involved in the identification of small variations in DNA of a particular individual. Furthermore, gene sequencing is a method that helps to obtain information about genes while DNA fingerprint is a method that aids the identification of individuals.

Gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting are two techniques in biotechnology that help to obtain information from genomes.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Gene Sequencing
     – Definition, Method, Importance
2. What is DNA Fingerprinting
     – Definition, Method, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Gene Sequencing and DNA Fingerprinting
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Gene Sequencing and DNA Fingerprinting
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

DNA Fingerprinting, Gene Sequencing, Microsatellite DNA, Nucleotide Sequence, STRs

What is Gene Sequencing

Gene sequencing is a method we use to identify the nucleotide sequence of a gene. Due to the ability of gene sequencing to reveal the information of a gene up to the nucleotide level, it helps to obtain the most detailed information about the gene. Hence, this may help to identify different sequence elements of a gene, including the open reading frame as well as the regulatory sequences such as the promoter. Furthermore, the two methods involved in gene sequencing are Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing.

Figure 1: Gene Sequencing

The information obtained from gene sequencing is important for the identification of mutations within the gene sequence, which in turn reveal the diseased genes. Also, it identifies new forms of genes called the alleles.

What is DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting is a method we use in the identification of the short DNA sequences specific to a particular individual. These short DNA sequences are the repeating elements called short tandem repeats (STRs) mainly found in the centromeric regions of a chromosome. Here, the STRs are a type of non-coding DNA categorized under microsatellites. Their repeating unit consists of 2-6 nucleotides. Also, the number of repeats in the genome depends on the individual. On that account, by comparing the number of repeats at a particular locus, the identification of individuals can be done. Therefore, DNA fingerprinting is important in the identification of individuals. Further, the main use of DNA fingerprinting is in forensic studies.

Figure 2: STR Variation among Individuals

DNA fingerprinting is involved in the digestion of the satellite DNA of the DNA sample of interest with restriction enzymes. Then, the fragments can be separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Finally, the band pattern is compared with the suspected samples.

Similarities Between Gene Sequencing and DNA Fingerprinting

• Gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting are two types of techniques that help to obtain information of genomes.
• Both techniques have a wide array of applications.

Difference Between Gene Sequencing and DNA Fingerprinting

Definition

Gene sequencing refers to the process of ascertaining the sequence of nucleotides in a segment of DNA while DNA fingerprinting refers to the analysis of DNA from samples of body tissues or fluids, especially when conducted in order to identify individuals. Hence, this is the basis of the difference between gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting.

Type of Methods 

Gene sequencing involves Sanger sequencing or Next Generation Sequencing while DNA fingerprinting involves restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis.

Type of Information Obtained

Another difference between gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting is that gene sequencing reveals the nucleotide sequence of a gene while DNA fingerprinting reveals the pattern of STRs of a particular locus of an individual.

Importance

Gene sequencing identifies new alleles and diseased genes while DNA fingerprinting identifies individuals. This is also an important difference between gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting.

Conclusion

Gene sequencing is a method which identifies the nucleotide sequence of a gene. It helps in the identification of diseased genes or new forms of genes called the alleles. On the other hand, DNA fingerprinting is a method we use in order to obtain the pattern of STRs at a particular locus of the genome. Since STR pattern is unique to a particular individual, it helps in the identification of individuals. Therefore, the main difference between gene sequencing and DNA fingerprinting is the type of information they help to obtain and their importance.

Reference:

1. “DNA Sequencing.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, Available Here
2. “What Is a DNA Fingerprint?” Your Genome, The Public Engagement Team at the Wellcome Genome Campus, 2 June 2016, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Radioactive Fluorescent Seq” By Abizar at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia  
2. “D1S80Demo” By PaleWhaleGail at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia