metagenómísk

Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples. Instead of isolating and culturing individual microorganisms in a laboratory, which is often difficult or impossible for many microbes, metagenomics analyzes the collective genomes of entire microbial communities. This approach allows researchers to study microorganisms in their natural habitats, providing insights into their diversity, function, and interactions. The process typically involves extracting DNA from a sample, such as soil, water, or a host organism, followed by sequencing this DNA. Bioinformatic tools are then used to assemble and analyze the sequenced reads, identifying the different species present and inferring their metabolic capabilities. Metagenomics has revolutionized our understanding of microbial ecosystems, revealing the vast and largely uncultured microbial world that plays critical roles in various environments, including human health, agriculture, and biogeochemical cycles. It enables the discovery of novel genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways with potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.