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Home / Curriculum / Course Materials - WU / Introduction to Genomic Analysis / Genome Center Video Tour / Sequencing a Genome: Inside the Washington University Genome Sequencing CenterSequencing a Genome: Inside the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center
About this Program
This program is a tool to increase the scientific literacy of biology students in the technology of genomic sequencing. This program includes four video segments:

- A guided tour of the Washington University Genomic Sequencing Center (GSC), providing a look at the labs and offices that make up the preparation, production, and data management facilities. Also included are animated explanations of the processes used to sequence genomic DNA.
- An exploration of current genomic research in pathogenic bacteria through an interview with a molecular microbiologist.
- Information about careers in genomic research presented through interviews with GSC employees.
- An animated explanation of the chemistry of cycle sequencing.
- Additional features include video scripts, links to additional resources, and a glossary of terms.
The original web site for the Sequencing a Genome video has been archived.
View Video
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Take a video tour through the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center. Explore the different labs and offices that make up the preparation, production, and data management facilities. Get a close look at the robotic machines specially designed to handle the high volume of samples. Animated explanations of the processes used to sequence genomic DNA will help you along the way.
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The molecular interactions that occur during Sanger cycle sequencing are complex. The animation explains the chemistry behind the dye terminator sequencing reactions used at genome sequencing centers. It will give you a better understanding of the details involved in the synthesis of fluorescently labeled DNA fragments that provide the data for genomic sequencing projects.
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More than 150 people work in three areas of employment at the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center — laboratory, informatics, and administration. It takes people with different skills and diverse educational backgrounds to keep the center working efficiently. In this section, meet some of these employees and hear them describe their jobs and their educational backgrounds. Learn about the challenges they face each day and what gives them a sense of satisfaction with their work.
Credits
Video credits:
- Executive producer: Sarah C. R. Elgin
- Produced and edited by: Brian Cohen
- Produced by: Carla Easter, Gabriella Farkas, Susan Flowers
- Written by: Juanita Chambers, Carla Easter, Susan Flowers, Andrea Holmes, Elizabeth Slawson
- Animation: Gabriella Farkas
- Music: William Lenihan
- Tour leader: Andrea Holmes
- Students on tour: Bryson Cole, Elizabeth Slawson
- Production support: Cherry Chambers, Jasna Despot, Shannon Lewis
Special thanks to:
- Jere Confrey, Scott Hultgren, Elaine Mardis, Richard Wilson
- Washington University Department of Biology and the Department of Education
- Genome Sequencing Center Science Outreach
Major funding provided by:
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- National Human Genome Research Institute