Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
To classify bacterial species based on genetic information
B
To determine the antibiotic resistance of bacteria
C
To analyze protein structures in bacteria
D
To measure the growth rate of bacterial colonies
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The main goal of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing is to identify which bacteria are present in a sample and how many of each type exist. By amplifying and reading the 16S gene, which is present in all bacteria but has regions that differ between species, researchers can match the sequences to known bacterial families. This lets them build a profile of the community’s composition without needing to grow the microbes in a lab. For example, when a stool sample is sequenced, the data might show that 70 % of the bacteria belong to the Bacteroidetes phylum and 15 % to Firmicutes, giving a quick snapshot of gut health. The technique is fast, cost‑effective, and works for bacteria that are hard or impossible to culture.
Detailed Explanation
16S rRNA sequencing reads a part of the bacterial genome that is very similar across species but has small differences. Other options are incorrect because People think it tells us if bacteria can resist antibiotics, but that requires looking at resistance genes, not the 16S gene; Some believe it analyzes proteins, but 16S sequencing reads RNA, not protein structures.
Key Concepts
16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing
Microbial classification
Genomic approaches in microbiology
Topic
16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequencing
Difficulty
easy 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?
easyBiological-sciences
Practice
2
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?
mediumBiological-sciences
Practice
3
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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4
Question 4How does 16S Ribosomal RNA gene sequencing contribute to metagenomics and taxonomy through culture-independent methods?
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5
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.
hardBiological-sciences
Practice
6
Question 6Arrange the steps for using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to classify bacterial species in a microbial community.
easyBiological-sciences
Practice
7
Question 7How does 16S rRNA gene sequencing contribute to understanding the human microbiome?
mediumBiological-sciences
Practice
8
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?
mediumBiological-sciences
Practice
9
Question 9What underlying mechanism explains why 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing can effectively classify diverse bacterial species in a complex microbial population?
easyBiological-sciences
Practice
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