16S targeted PCR amplification studies bacterial communities by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene, part of the 30S small subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome.

The gene has conserved regions (identical across species) and variable regions (species-specific), enabling bacterial classification.

Workflow:

Sample collection: Obtain biological/environmental samples.

DNA extraction: Isolate DNA from samples.

16S PCR amplification: Amplify the 16S gene.

Sequencing: Sequence the amplified DNA.

Analysis: Analyze sequences to identify species and community composition.

Review: The Metagenome (Genomics)