Helicos Sequencing

**Semantic type:** Molecular Biology Research Technique

**Definition:** A proprietary next-generation DNA sequencing system from Helicos BioSciences based on zero wave guide technology and using unamplified DNA templates that are anchored to the surface of a glass slide. For each nucleotide cycle, polymerases are bound to the immobilized templates, and both fluorescently labeled nucleotides and proprietary terminators, which kinetically inhibit the polymerase from incorporating more than a single base, are added. The slide surface is then imaged with a high-intensity laser and where the fluorescent signal detected indicates a base incorporation at that position in the fluorescing template sequence.

**Synonyms:** - HeliScope - Helicos - Helicos Sequencing Technology