How does a DNA sequencing machine work?

A DNA sequencing machine reads the instructions written in our cells to figure out what they say.

Imagine your favorite book is made up of letters that tell a story, like how you build a tower with blocks or draw a picture with crayons. A DNA sequencing machine works like a special detective who reads each letter one by one so we can understand the whole message.

DNA is like a long string of letters, and each letter is called a base, there are four kinds: A, T, C, and G. The sequencing machine goes along this string and finds out which base comes next, just like you might find out what letter comes next in your favorite book.

The machine uses little tools that light up different colors for each base, red for A, blue for T, green for C, and yellow for G. When it sees a color, it knows which letter is there. It does this again and again until the whole message is read.

Once all the letters are known, scientists can use them to figure out how our bodies work or even help make new medicines!