What are adapters?

Specific sequences that are added to the cDNA fragments during RNAseq library preparation

Written by Rani Powers, PhD


Adapters contain several different elements that are needed for sequencing such as clonal amplification of the product as well as the ability to sequence multiple samples in one experiment (see "What is multiplexing?") They are also critical for priming the sequencing reaction. Adapters have to be bioinformatically removed before proceeding with sequence analysis.