PCR for Tracking Microbes in Soil and Water

PCR is used to track microorganisms in soil, water, and air samples by detecting their DNA. The technique copies a specific DNA segment, which helps identify target microbes at the species, strain, and serovar or pathovar level. It can also help describe whole microbial communities in a sample.

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The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is a fundamental biological technique that is widely applied to detecting and identifying microorganisms present in soil, water, and other environmental samples.

Classically, microorganisms are cultured in labs using specialized growth media. However, many microbes in the natural environment are "non-...