Summary
Sequencing DNA directly from environmental samples to study unculturable microbial communities.
In depth
DNA is extracted from a sample, sequenced and assembled. It reveals that over 99 percent of microbes cannot be cultured. The Human Microbiome Project and Tara Oceans characterise microbial communities.
Metagenomics can find new antibiotics and enzymes. Binning reconstructs genomes of uncultured organisms.
Remember: it reveals who is there and what they might do.
Approaches include amplicon sequencing (16S), shotgun sequencing of all DNA and function-based screening of clone libraries. Assembly gives metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), which revealed new phyla like the Candidate Phyla Radiation. Metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics show what microbes are doing, not only who is present.
Craig Venter's Sargasso Sea survey (2003) found over a million new genes. Applications include finding new enzymes and antibiotics, studying disease, monitoring wastewater for pathogens and tracking antimicrobial resistance genes. Challenges are contamination, bias in extraction and the huge computing needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metagenomics?
Sequencing DNA directly from environmental samples to study unculturable microbial communities.
Which area of biology covers Metagenomics, and how advanced is it?
Metagenomics is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Microorganisms, Gut-Brain Axis, Microbiome.
Why does Metagenomics matter?
It allows the study of the large unseen microbial majority without culturing.
Can you give an example of Metagenomics?
Metagenomics found new CRISPR systems.
What should I learn before Metagenomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Metagenomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Metagenomics?
The closest topics to Metagenomics are Microorganisms, Gut-Brain Axis, Microbiome, Horizontal Resistance Spread. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Metagenomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Metagenomics. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Metagenomics different from Microorganisms?
Metagenomics: Sequencing DNA directly from environmental samples to study unculturable microbial communities. Microorganisms: Living things too small to see without a microscope, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and microscopic algae. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Metagenomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Microorganisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.