25 Questions
What is the first step required in analyzing a metagenome?
Defining a target community to study
During metagenome sequencing and assembly, what is the process of assembling overlapping fragments into contigs called?
Contig assembly
In analyzing the Deepwater Horizon Spill, what was used to study the expression of RNA transcripts related to hydrocarbon degradation pathways?
Metagenomes derived from the community
What is a significant limitation mentioned regarding metagenomes in identifying community members?
Possibility of missing community members
Which technique is described as being the most powerful tool for identifying the microbes inhabiting an ecosystem?
Metagenomics
What term is used to describe organisms that were previously missed or thought to be unculturable?
Rare biosphere
According to Cornelius B. van Niel, what did he propose about microbial ecology?
Every molecule in nature can be used by a microorganism for carbon or energy.
What do trophic levels in an ecosystem represent?
Levels of consumption
What do primary producers provide for the food web?
Carbon and energy for all trophic levels
How do organisms perform niche construction within an ecosystem?
By shaping the biochemical dimensions of their habitat
What is a metagenome?
The sum of all DNA sequenced from an environmental sample
In microbial ecology, what is a population defined as?
A group of individuals of one species living in a common location
What is the standard for identifying environmental taxa within microbial communities?
rRNA sequences
What consists of an ecosystem in the context of microbial communities?
Populations of species plus their environment
What type of questions can advanced sequencing technologies address in microbial ecology?
Who is present, what their genomes represent, and what they are doing
What is the most intimate association between organisms of different species called?
Symbiosis
In mutualism, what happens if one of the microbial partners is removed?
Both organisms die
What is a highly evolved form of mutualism mentioned in the text?
Lichen
What is inherited from mother to offspring in most insects?
Intracellular bacteria
Which term describes a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected?
Commensalism
What type of relationship do Methanogens have with their host?
Synergism
What function do Methanogens perform in the gut?
Regulate hydrogen levels
Which statement best describes the relationship between Beggiatoa and its community members?
Commensalism
In a parasitic relationship, which species benefits at the expense of the other?
The parasite
What role do Methanogens play in helping beneficial gut microbes?
Regulate hydrogen levels
Test your knowledge on microbial ecology concepts covered in Chapter 21.1-21.3, focusing on microbial communities and omics analysis. Explore the relationships between microbes and their environments.
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