Use of C0t analysis

C0t analysis is an old technique for DNA fractionation (pioneered in the 1970s), which is now being re-used in combination with new genomics techniques, to separate the low copy genomic sequences from the moderately and highly repetitive ones. It uses the kinetics of DNA renaturation, in which the rate at which a particular sequence re-associates (returns to the double-stranded state) is proportional to the number of times it is found in the genome.

In this way, highly repetitive sequences can be eliminated and only single and/or low copy sequences selected for cloning and sequencing, aiding in the discovery of previously unidentified genes. This is particularly helpful in dealing with large genomes containing a large proportion of repetitive DNA, which would be difficult and expensive to completely sequence.