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Microbial evolution, diversity, and ecology: A decade of ribosomal RNA analysis of uncultivated microorganisms

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Ian Head

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Abstract

The application of molecular biological methods to study the diversity and ecology of microorganisms in natural environments has been practiced since the mid-1980s. Since that time many new insights into the composition of uncultivated microbial communities have been gained. Whole groups of organisms that are only known from molecular sequences are now believed to be quantitatively significant in many environments. Molecular methods have also allowed characterization of many long-recognized but poorly understood organisms. These organisms have eluded laboratory cultivation and, hence, have remained enigmatic. This review provides an outline of the main methods used in molecular microbial ecology, and their limitations. Some discoveries, made through the application of molecular biological methods, are highlighted, with reference to morphologically distinctive, uncultivated bacteria; an important biotechnological process (wastewater treatment); and symbiotic relationships between Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Head IM, Saunders JR, Pickup RW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Microbial Ecology

Year: 1998

Volume: 35

Issue: 1

Pages: 1-21

Print publication date: 01/01/1998

ISSN (print): 0095-3628

ISSN (electronic): 1432-184X

Publisher: Springer New York LLC

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002489900056

DOI: 10.1007/s002489900056

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