Metagenomics and FISH Techniques in Microbiology

A technique used to cut DNA into fragments of varying lengths.

A method used to separate DNA fragments by size, using an electric current.

A technique that uses fluorescent probes to detect the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences.

The study of genetic material collected directly from environmental samples, without needing to isolate individual organisms.

High-throughput sequencing technology allows scientists to analyze millions of DNA sequences quickly and efficiently.

The science that classifies living organisms into groups based on their shared characteristics.

A system of organizing living things into three main categories: Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya.

A two-part naming system used to identify organisms, consisting of the genus name (first part) and the specific epithet (second part).

This refers to commonly used names for organisms. They can vary based on language and geographic location.

The process of placing organisms into groups based on their shared features. It involves comparing an unknown organism against lists of known organisms.

The process of determining the identity of an unknown organism by comparing its traits to known organisms.

The system of organizing living things into increasingly specific groups from broadest to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

The specific epithet in a binomial name often refers to a unique characteristic of the organism, its environment, or the scientist who discovered it.

Metagenomics analysis involves studying the genetic material of all microorganisms present in a sample, giving a comprehensive picture of the microbial community.

Metagenomics is crucial for understanding the diversity of microorganisms, their evolution based on their environment, and the impact of this evolution on food production.

Traditional methods of identifying microbes require isolating individual colonies for sequencing, which is time-consuming and laborious.

Metagenomics offers significant advantages over traditional methods by allowing for the analysis of a broad range of microorganisms simultaneously, revealing the complex interactions within communities.

The use of metagenomics to analyze microbial communities in food allows for improved food safety, quality control, and potentially the development of new food products.

These microbes lack a membrane-bound nucleus, making them different from other plant and animal cells.

They are known for their ability to break down organic materials, contributing to nutrient cycling and playing a crucial role in sewage treatment.

They are essential for nitrogen fixation, converting nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form usable by plants. This process is crucial for plant growth and overall ecosystem health.

They are single-celled organisms with a variety of shapes, including spherical, rod-shaped, spiral, and filamentous forms.

They are a phylum of gram-negative bacteria, playing a significant role in various areas like food production, decomposition, and human health.

Cyanobacteria are known for their ability to perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen as a byproduct and contributing to oxygenation of the early Earth's atmosphere.

They are a diverse group of bacteria that require specific conditions to grow and are often challenging to cultivate in laboratories due to their intricate nutrition requirements.

MacConkey Agar, a differential medium, can distinguish lactose fermenters from non-lactose fermenters based on colony color. This is a common method for identifying bacterial species in a mixed sample.

Archaea are a group of single-celled organisms that are distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They are known for their ability to thrive in extreme environments like hot springs, salty lakes, and even the human gut.

Hyperthermophiles are a type of archaea that thrive in extremely hot environments, such as volcanic hot springs. They can tolerate temperatures that would kill most other organisms.

Methanogens are a type of archaea that produce methane gas as a byproduct of their metabolism. They are often found in anaerobic environments like swamps and the digestive systems of animals.

Extreme halophiles are a type of archaea that thrive in environments with very high salt concentrations, such as salt lakes and salt flats.

Extreme thermoacidophiles are a type of archaea that thrive in environments that are both extremely hot and acidic, such as volcanic vents and hot springs.

The Archaeal Richmond Mine Acidophilic Nanoorganisms (ARMAN) are a recently discovered group of archaea that thrive in acidic mine drainage.

Pyrodictium abyssi is an unusual type of archaea that can survive at extremely high temperatures (up to 110°C). It was discovered in deep-ocean sediment.

Scientists have discovered that methanogens can produce methane even in oxygen-rich environments, challenging the previous understanding that oxygen inhibits methane production.

Algae are simple, photosynthetic organisms that lack true roots, stems, and leaves. They can be single-celled or form colonies, filaments, or tissues. Despite their lack of complex features, they are crucial for Earth's ecosystems.

Algae play a critical role in aquatic food webs as primary producers, converting sunlight into energy. They are also responsible for producing a significant portion of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere.

Diatoms are single-celled algae with unique silica-rich cell walls. They are important primary producers and can form large blooms. Some species produce toxins like domoic acid, which can accumulate in shellfish and harm humans.

Dinoflagellates are another type of single-celled algae, often found as plankton. They have cellulose cell walls and can produce harmful neurotoxins. Some dinoflagellates have symbiotic relationships with marine animals.

Brown algae, like kelp, are large and complex multicellular algae that usually grow in colder, nutrient-rich waters. They are important for coastal ecosystems and provide food and shelter for many organisms.