Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780393615098
Author: John W. Foster, Joan L. Slonczewski
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 21, Problem 1RQ
Summary Introduction

To review:

The method to analyse the metagenome of a microbial community and the advantages and disadvantages of metagenomics as compared to culturing microbes.

Introduction:

To identify and study microorganisms, the microbes need to be cultured on nutrient media. Most of the microbes are difficult to culture and hence, cannot be characterized completely. Norman Pace was the first one to identify the microbe, by sequencing its Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Metagenomics deals with the sequencing of the entire DNA extracted from the microbial community.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The sequencing and analysis of the metagenome require a series of steps. The DNA samples are collected from the target community after separating the targeted microbes from their natural environment. The DNA is then isolated and purified from the microbes of interest. The small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) amplification is done to study the species diversity.

The extracted and purified DNA can be cloned and sequenced. The assembling of sequenced DNA into genome can also reveal the diversity of species. One such technique is Illumina, which generates a large amount of data and require computational analysis. The sequenced DNA fragments are assembled using mathematical tools. The ecological functions of the microbes can be studied by functional annotations.

The limitations of the metagenomics are: it is difficult to assign the correct DNA sequence to the shared genomes. Different computational pipelines may predict different partial genomes. It is difficult to discover genomes of close relatives using pipelines based on reference genomes.

The metagenomics is an important toll that may reveal the characteristics and species diversity of an organism that cannot be cultured. It can also play a vital role in determining the species of microbes that are related closely. The evolutionary line of a microbe can also be revealed by the metagenomics.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Topic: Benthic invertebrates as an indicator species for climate change, mapping changes in ecosystems (Historical Analysis & GIS)  What objects or events has the team chosen to analyze? How does your team wish to delineate the domain or scale in which these objects or events operate? How does that limited domain facilitate a more feasible research project? What is your understanding of their relationships to other objects and events? Are you excluding other things from consideration which may influence the phenomena you seek to understand? Examples of such exclusions might include certain air-born pollutants; a general class of water bodies near Ottawa, or measurements recorded at other months of the year; interview participants from other organizations that are involved in the development of your central topic or issue.   In what ways do your research questions follow as the most appropriate and/or most practical questions (given the circumstances) to pursue to better understand…
The Esp gene encodes a protein that alters the structure of the insulin receptor on osteoblasts and interferes with the binding of insulin to the receptor. A researcher created a group of osteoblasts with an Esp mutation that prevented the production of a functional Esp product (mutant). The researcher then exposed the mutant strain and a normal strain that expresses Esp to glucose and compared the levels of insulin in the blood near the osteoblasts (Figure 2). Which of the following claims is most consistent with the data shown in Figure 2 ? A Esp expression is necessary to prevent the overproduction of insulin. B Esp protein does not regulate blood-s
Predict the per capita rate of change (r) for a population of ruil trees in the presence of the novel symbiont when the soil moisture is 29%.   The formula I am given is y= -0.00012x^2 + 0.0088x -0.1372. Do I use this formula and plug in 29 for each x variable?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Principles Of Radiographic Imaging: An Art And A ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337711067
Author:Richard R. Carlton, Arlene M. Adler, Vesna Balac
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...
Biology
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Explore Terrestrial Habitats - Types of Habitats for Children; Author: Smile and Learn - English;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv1indKgOHQ;License: Standard youtube license