How NGS works
NGS starts with genetic material. The sample can be either DNA or RNA that is extracted from cells or tissue. For short-read sequencing, the sample is fragmented into 100–300 base pair lengths called reads. In a process called sample indexing, adapters are added to the DNA, allowing the reads be sequenced and identified. The reads
can be enriched, which means specific sequences are targeted for sequencing using hybridization or amplification. The reads are sequenced and pieced back together like a jigsaw puzzle to form the genomic sequence.