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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
It can identify all types of microorganisms, including viruses and fungi.
B
It targets a highly conserved region of the bacterial genome, allowing for effective comparison across diverse species.
C
It requires the isolation of pure bacterial cultures before sequencing can be performed.
D
It can only identify bacteria that have been previously studied and cataloged.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The 16S rRNA gene is present in every bacterium and contains both highly conserved sections that allow universal primers to bind and variable sections that differ between species. Sequencing these variable regions lets researchers compare the DNA to a database of known sequences, so they can identify and classify bacteria without needing to grow them in a lab. Because the gene is long enough to provide enough detail but short enough to sequence quickly, it gives a reliable phylogenetic signal. For example, sequencing a gut sample can reveal that a bacterium’s 16S gene matches that of Lactobacillus plantarum, showing it is a probiotic species even if it has never been cultured.
Detailed Explanation
The 16S rRNA gene contains parts that stay almost the same in all bacteria, called conserved regions. Other options are incorrect because The 16S rRNA gene is only found in bacteria, not in viruses or fungi; The method can work directly on mixed DNA from a sample, so pure cultures are not needed.
Key Concepts
Bacterial classification
16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing
Microbial diversity
Topic
16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequencing
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Which of the following statements best explains the significance of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing in identifying bacterial species as genetic markers?
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Question 2In the context of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, which approach allows for the identification of microbial taxa without the need for culture methods?
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Question 3Which of the following best describes the significance of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing in understanding microbial communities through culture-independent methods?
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Question 4How has 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing revolutionized bacterial identification in clinical diagnostics, particularly through the use of genetic markers?
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Question 5In the context of classifying bacterial species through genomic approaches, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing specifically targets the ________ gene, which is known for its high degree of conservation across different bacterial taxa.
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Question 6Arrange the steps for using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to classify bacterial species in a microbial community.
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7
Question 716S rRNA gene sequencing : bacterial classification :: DNA sequencing : ?
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Question 8A research team is studying a patient's gut microbiome to understand the impact of diet on microbial diversity. They decide to use 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to analyze the sample. Which of the following statements best describes how this technique will aid their research?
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Question 9What underlying mechanism explains why 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing can effectively classify diverse bacterial species in a complex microbial population?
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