Question

What is metagenomics? (General description)

What is the importance of metagenomics and what are some discoveries made using this technique? How are metagenomics useful in identifying VNBC organisms?

Answer 1

What is metagenomics

• Metagenomics is the study of the metagenome and uses DNA sequencing technique to study the genetic material and function (genomic analysis) of microorganisms from an environmental sample.
• Examples of metagenomic study includes asssessment of microbial communities from samples taken from different sources like deep oceans, soil, sediment, groundwater, clinical samples etc.

What is the importance of metagenomics and what are some discoveries made using this technique:

• Metagenomics can provide comprehensive whole genome information about different organisms of interest or entire microbial community.
• Metagenomic studies can help establish linkage between different microorganisms and cancer types
• Determination of clinical benefits of probiotics (human health), discovery of new antibiotics, production of new molecules with diverse applications, production of vitamins, amino acids etc. in microorganisms.

How are metagenomics useful in identifying VBNC organisms?

• VBNC - Viable but non culturable bacteria are live bacteria that either do not grow or divide and are non culturable under normal microbiolgical growth conditions. This strategy provides bacteria a unique survival strategy.
• Traditional microbiological techniques for the study of VBNC organisms are difficult, time consuming, laborious and prone to problems like underdetection. Metagenomic techniques can help in understanding the microbial life of unculturable microorganisms in a faster and accurate way.