Question

Sequencing with devices such as the minion can be used to study individual organisms. however, researchers sometimes also study the genetics of an entire community in an environmental sample (metagenomics) without distinguishing individual organisms. why would researchers study the metagenome of an entire community in this way rather than separating out individual species

Answer 1

Metagenomic is a sequence techniques used to study the microbiome population structure and function by determining the DNA sequence of all organisms present in that particular environment. However, the researcher used the method of metagenomic because the genes encoded are of the interest to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Also, this technology provides an insight into rich and untapped genetic potentials of microorganisms and the structure of communities in a wide range of environment.