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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The 16S rRNA gene is highly variable among different species, allowing for unique identification.
B
The 16S rRNA gene is highly conserved across all bacteria, providing a standard for comparison.
C
16S rRNA gene sequencing relies on the metabolic activity of bacteria to differentiate species.
D
The 16S rRNA gene is only present in pathogenic bacteria, making it useful for clinical diagnostics.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The 16S ribosomal RNA gene is part of the ribosome that is essential for all bacteria, so its sequence is present in every species. Inside this gene there are long stretches that stay almost identical (conserved regions) and short stretches that differ between species (variable regions). Because the conserved parts can be targeted by the same primers, scientists can amplify the gene from any bacteria in a mixed sample, while the variable parts act like a barcode that tells which species it is. By comparing the variable sequences to a database, each bacterial species in a complex community can be identified and classified. For example, the 16S sequence of *Escherichia coli* differs in its variable region from that of *Bacillus subtilis*, allowing them to be distinguished even when both are present in a gut microbiome sample.
Detailed Explanation
The 16S rRNA gene is almost the same in every bacterium, so it acts like a common language. Other options are incorrect because Some parts of the 16S rRNA gene differ between species, but the main body stays the same; The method does not look at what bacteria eat or how they act.
Key Concepts
16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequencing
Microbial Diversity
Bacterial Taxonomy
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?
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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?
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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 has 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing revolutionized bacterial identification in clinical diagnostics, particularly through the use of genetic markers?
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5
Question 5A research team is conducting a study on bacterial diversity in the human gut. They decide to use 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to identify the bacterial species present. Which of the following statements best explains why this method is advantageous for classifying these bacteria?
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6
Question 6In 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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7
Question 7Arrange the steps for using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to classify bacterial species in a microbial community.
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8
Question 8How does 16S rRNA gene sequencing contribute to understanding the human microbiome?
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9
Question 916S rRNA gene sequencing : bacterial classification :: DNA sequencing : ?
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