What is whole genome sequencing (WGS)?

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a process that provides a high-resolution, comprehensive view of the entire genome at a single time. A genome refers to the entire DNA sequence of an organism. WGS is also known as complete genome sequencing, full genome sequencing, or entire genome sequencing.

The WGS process entails sequencing all of an organism’s chromosomal DNA as well as DNA contained in the mitochondria, or in the case of plants DNA contained in the chloroplast. Researchers use this process to determine all or nearly all of the approximately 3 billion nucleotides that make up an organism’s complete DNA sequence. This includes the coding as well as the non-coding sequence.

Whole genome sequencing offers several advantages over targeted sequencing, which analyzes a restricted portion of the genome. WGS captures both large and small variants that tend to be missed with targeted approaches. This helps scientists to better understand how germs become resistant and how this resistance spreads, which is instrumental in finding ways to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. WGS is also instrumental in identifying inherited disorders as well as mutations that drive cancer progression.