What are the differences between Sanger sequencing and PCR?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sanger sequencing and PCR are two laboratory techniques that use the same starting materials. While both processes may be used in conjunction with each other, where PCR is first used to create many copies of the DNA to be sequenced, these two are distinctly different processes and neither one can replace the other.

Basis of differentiation
Sanger Sequencing
PCR

Definition
Is the process of determining the precise nucleotide sequence in a given DNA fragment
Is the process of amplifying DNA fragments creating many copies of the DNA fragment of interest

Aim
To determine the correct sequences of the bases in DNA for medical, research or criminal applications
To have sufficient quantity of DNA for the next process, which is sequencing

Need for ddNTPs or dNTPs
Requires ddNTPs to terminate strand formation
Requires dNTPs

Primers
Has only one primer reading the sequence in one direction only
Has two primers facing each other

Basis of differentiation	Sanger Sequencing	PCR
Definition	Is the process of determining the precise nucleotide sequence in a given DNA fragment	Is the process of amplifying DNA fragments creating many copies of the DNA fragment of interest
Aim	To determine the correct sequences of the bases in DNA for medical, research or criminal applications	To have sufficient quantity of DNA for the next process, which is sequencing
Need for ddNTPs or dNTPs	Requires ddNTPs to terminate strand formation	Requires dNTPs
Primers	Has only one primer reading the sequence in one direction only	Has two primers facing each other

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