Multiplexing is when we combine or “pool” multiple samples together, process them all together, and then split up the results into those corresponding to each separate sample (this un-pooling process is called demultiplexing (demuxing). This saves resources (including time) and is commonly done in NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) techniques like Illumina DNA sequencing. We’re able to keep track of what results helping to what sample by using molecular “barcodes.” These barcodes are just additional sample-specific DNA sequences we put onto the ends of the DNA we want to sequence. They get read along with the rest of the sequence so you can tell which sample each read comes from.
