1min

4min

10min

20min

300 bases

200 bases

150 bases

Figure 3. Use of dITP requires longer extension times at 60°C. Shown are four sequences of plasmid pUC18 obtained using cycles with 1, 4, 10 and 20 minute extension steps in the cycles. Extension steps of 4-5 minutes or longer are necessary for reading beyond 200 bases.

Reading farther from or closer to the primer

The termination mixes described in the protocol will typically yield sequencing data from the first base to over 500 bases from the primer. This is as much sequence as most users will be able to read using current standard electrophoresis technology. If it is desired to obtain sequence >500 bases from the primer, the dNTP:ddNTP ratios can be easily altered to shift the distribution of sequencing reaction products by adding more dNTPs to the termination reaction. Adding 3l instead of 2l dNTPs will increase the dNTP:ddNTP ratio

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