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Harnessing the Power of PCR Molecular Fingerprinting Methods and Next Generation Sequencing for Understanding Structure and Function in Microbial Communities

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Abstract

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is central to methods in molecular ecology. Here, we describe PCR-dependent approaches useful for investigating microbial diversity and its function in various natural, human-associated, and built environment ecosystems. Protocols routinely used for DNA extraction, purification, cloning, and sequencing are included along with various resources for the statistical analysis following gel electrophoresis-based methods (DGGE) and sequencing. We also provide insights into eukaryotic microbiome analysis, sample preservation techniques, PCR troubleshooting, DNA quantification methods, and commonly used ordination techniques.

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Correspondence to Maria Alcina Pereira .

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Phadke, S., Salvador, A.F., Alves, J.I., Bretschger, O., Alves, M.M., Pereira, M.A. (2017). Harnessing the Power of PCR Molecular Fingerprinting Methods and Next Generation Sequencing for Understanding Structure and Function in Microbial Communities. In: Domingues, L. (eds) PCR. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1620. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7060-5_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7060-5_16

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-7059-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-7060-5

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