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Does whole genome sequencing capture plasmids?

Hi,

Just a question about a confusing concept. Does whole genome sequencing of bacteria mean sequencing the entire genome content i.e., chromosome and the plasmids (if present)?

Thanks

sequencing sequence genome assembly

Welcome to biostars. I modified the question title to be slightly more specific.

3 answers

I would say that yes, the reads obtained after the whole genome sequencing of a given bacteria, will include sequences derived from all the DNA present in the sequenced sample, including chromosome(s) and plasmids. Doing downstream analysis like an assembly of the reads... etc, you could be able to distinguish genomic DNA from plasmid DNA somehow.

Thanks airan. How can one distinguish between the two molecules in the sequence assembly reads?

Yes. Unless you specifically capture or degrade certain molecules all DNA is sequenced.

In Eukaryotes, whole genome sequencing includes the mitochondria.

Thanks Zev. Mitochondria is another thing that I always wondered if its included in the Eukaryotic genome sequence.

Yes, whole genome sequencing includes the plasmid and mitochondria. plasmidSPAdes assembles plasmids from whole genome sequences.

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