J Microbial Biochem Technol

Srilatha B

doi:10.4172/1948-5948.1000060

Abstract

Genomic investigations into the diversity of environmental microbes are leading to insights into ecological dynamics, the evolution of new forms of biological systems, and the discovery of new functions that might be exploited for biotechnological and biomedical purposes. It is now clear that an understanding of the community structure, function and evolution of bacteria in their natural environments is required to meet the promise of microbial biotechnology. To meet these new challenges, microbiologists are applying the tools of genomics and related highthroughput technologies to both cultured microbes and environmental samples. This work will lead to new views on ecosystems and biological function together with the biotechnology enabled by this science.

Highlights

Genomic investigations into the diversity of environmental microbes are leading to insights into ecological dynamics, the evolution of new forms of biological systems, and the discovery of new functions that might be exploited for biotechnological and biomedical purposes
Metagenomics-based approaches have led to the accumulation of an increasing number of DNA sequences, but until this time the sequences retrieved have been those of uncultured microbes
We investigated a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for rapidly comparing bacterial communities independent of culture or cloning

Summary

Genomics technologies for environmental science

Molecular techniques are powerful tools for monitoring environmental effects and characterizing microbial diversity. The Environmental Microbiology group is undertaking a series of projects using such molecular techniques. The research team has undertaken a project to apply gene arrays for environmental effects monitoring (EEM), which is vital to ecosystem protection. Molecular tools such as rRNA probes, DNA extraction and analyses, i.e., denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and microarrays, can effectively monitor changes in, and improve the understanding of microbial communities involved in vital ecosystem processes. The world-wide genome-sequencing projects revolutionized the field and are producing unimaginable amount of biological data, providing a near complete list of the components that are present in an organism [11]. J Microbial Biochem Technol 3: 106-111. doi:10.4172/19485948.1000060 and the decision the scientist or engineer has is to decide what method is best to achieve the most efficient separation process to meet the growing demands of the biotechnology industry [12]

DNA sequencing

DNA microarrays

Findings

Conclusion