Environmental Genomics
Environmental Genomics - Related Videos
20:59
Large Insert Environmental Genomic Library Production
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Cited by 18 •
2009
Construction of a fosmid library with environmental genomic DNA isolated from the vertical depth continuum of a seasonally hypoxic fjord is described. The resulting clone library is picked into 384-well plates and archived for downstream sequencing and functional screening by the application of an automated colony picking system.
08:31
Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
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Cited by 2 •
2013
Single Virus Genomics (SVG) is a method to isolate and amplify the genomes of single virons. Viral suspensions of a mixed assemblage are sorted using flow cytometry onto a microscope slide with discrete wells containing agarose, thereby capturing the virion and reducing genome shearing during downstream processing. Whole genome amplification is achieved using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) resulting in genomic material that is suitable for sequencing.
09:17
Detection of Bacteriophages in Environmental Samples
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Alex Wassimi Viruses are a unique group of biological entities that infect both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. They are obligate parasites that have no metabolic capacity, and in order to replicate, rely on host metabolism to produce viral parts that self-assemble inside host cells. Viruses are ultramicroscopic—too small to be viewed with the light microscope, visible only with...
08:10
Environmentally Induced Heritable Changes in Flax
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Cited by 11 •
2011
Growing some flax varieties under nutrient stress results in genomic variation within a subset of the genome and phenotypic variation. A complex insertion at a specific site is associated with growth under various nutrient regimes and with changes in gene expression around this site.
02:02
Genomics
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2020
Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
FAQs
The workflow links extracted DNA to ecological interpretation. High-throughput sequencing produces large amounts of genetic information from an environmental sample, while bioinformatics organizes those data to identify taxa, compare genomes, and locate genes associated with metabolism or environmental responses. This combination turns mixed genetic material into evidence about community composition and biological activity.
Functional genes provide clues about what organisms may do, not only which organisms are present. By detecting genes linked to metabolic processes or environmental responses, researchers can associate genetic material with activities such as biological transformation or adaptation to local conditions. This functional perspective helps connect community composition with ecosystem processes and responses.
Cultivation-based studies depend on isolating and growing individual species, whereas environmental genomics examines genetic material collected directly from natural samples. Because many environmental organisms may not be recovered through isolation, direct analysis can reveal broader community diversity, interactions, and biological functions. It therefore complements cultivation by examining organisms and genes that traditional approaches may miss.
A typical investigation begins by collecting material from an environment such as soil, water, sediment, or air. Researchers then extract DNA, apply high-throughput sequencing, and analyze the resulting data with bioinformatics. The analysis can identify taxa, compare genomes, and detect genes associated with metabolism or environmental responses, producing a genetic profile of the sampled community.
Researchers can use Environmental Genomics when they need to characterize organisms across an environmental community rather than study only isolated species. Genetic data support biodiversity monitoring by revealing community members and enabling comparisons among samples or locations. This approach is especially useful for detecting biological diversity that cultivation-based methods may fail to represent.
Environmental genomics can connect changes in genetic profiles with environmental conditions and biological responses. In pollution assessment, it helps detect community or functional changes associated with contaminated settings; in climate research, it can examine responses within environmental communities. The same approach also supports pathogen surveillance by identifying relevant genetic material in environmental samples.
Genes discovered in environmental samples may point to organisms or enzymes with useful biological capabilities. By surveying genetic material across diverse environments, researchers can identify metabolic functions that may support biotechnology development. The value lies in accessing genetic and functional diversity beyond readily isolated species, creating leads for further investigation of organisms or enzymes with practical potential.