In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure (or primary sequence) of an unbranched biopolymer. Sequencing results in a symbolic linear depiction known as a sequence which succinctly summarizes much of the atomic-level structure of the sequenced molecule.

In genetics terminology, sequencing is most often restricted to determining the nucleotides of a DNA or RNA strand. Methods to perform DNA or RNA sequencing include:

Methods for performing protein sequencing include: Though polysaccharides are biopolymers, it is not so common to talk of sequencing a polysaccharide, because a symbolic linear depiction cannot capture their tendency to branch and to bond to one other in different ways.

See also Genetic code

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