Sanger sequencing, also known as chain termination sequencing, is a method used to determine the nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule. Named after its developer, Frederick Sanger, this technique has been a cornerstone in the field of genetic research since its inception in the 1970s. It involves the incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides during DNA synthesis, allowing researchers to generate a series of DNA fragments that can be analyzed to determine the sequence.