Whole-genome Sequencing
Reading all three billion letters of a person's DNA code to create a complete genetic blueprint, used in forensics to identify suspects from tiny or degraded evidence.
A laboratory process that reads and maps the entire sequence of DNA in a person's genome—roughly three billion base pairs—to create a comprehensive genetic profile. It identifies hundreds of thousands of genetic markers across all chromosomes, enabling detailed comparison for identification, ancestry, or medical purposes. Increasingly used in forensic investigations to extract usable profiles from old, degraded, or trace-amount evidence.
What this means in real life
A child with an undiagnosed genetic disorder undergoes whole-genome sequencing, which reveals a rare mutation in a previously unknown gene—finally explaining their symptoms and guiding treatment decisions.
What it isn’t
It is not the same as genetic testing for one or two specific genes. Whole-genome sequencing reads the entire genetic code, not just a targeted search for known disease variants.
Commonly misused online
People often claim it can predict your future health or personality with certainty, when in reality it only identifies genetic variants—most require environmental factors or remain medically uninterpretable.