Which technique provides a higher resolution view of the bacterial genome?

• A. Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
• B. Whole Genome Sequencing
• C. Polymerase Chain Reaction
• D. Serotyping

Answer: (B)

Reading the entire genome and determining the exact sequence provides the most detailed view of bacterial variation. Whole genome sequencing delivers base-level information for every position in the genome, so it can distinguish strains that differ by only a single nucleotide and reveal gene content, mutations, plasmids, and other mobile elements. That level of detail is what gives the highest resolution for comparing genomes and tracking differences between strains.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, by contrast, creates a fingerprint from large DNA fragment patterns after restriction digestion. It’s useful for typing but is limited to pattern comparison and doesn’t reveal exact sequences, so its discriminatory power is lower than sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction targets specific DNA regions, providing information only about those loci and missing the broader genomic context. Serotyping classifies organisms by surface antigens, which reflects phenotype rather than complete genetic content, offering even less genomic resolution.