Final answer:
The statement is false; in microbial genetic analysis, points on a clustering graph that are closer to each other represent microbial communities with more similar 16S rRNA gene sequences, and therefore, are more closely related genetically.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "points that cluster further apart have greater 16s rRNA gene sequence similarity than points that cluster closer together" is false. Typically, in microbial community analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the physical distance between points on a clustering graph, such as a principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) plot, is indicative of the genetic distance between microbiotas. Therefore, points that are closer to each other represent microbial communities with more similar 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicating they are more closely related genetically. Conversely, points that are further apart indicate less similarity in their 16S rRNA sequences, meaning they come from microbiotas that are more genetically diverse.
The process of characterizing the microbiotas of pigs, as mentioned, could involve comparing gene sequences of 16S rRNA to determine the diversity and similarity of the microbial communities present in different parts of the pig's intestine. In studies and comparisons like those mentioned, where genomic sequences or amino acid sequences from historical samples are matched closely with modern strains, it showcases the utility and power of genetic analysis in understanding microbial diversity and evolution.
It's important to note that high sequence similarity in 16S rRNA genes typically correlates to close evolutionary relationships, which is the basis for microbial identification and phylogenetic comparisons. Therefore, if the student's project were to demonstrate a clustering graph where microbiota samples are closely clustered, it would imply those communities are more genetically alike than those that are spaced further apart on the graph.