Why is the 16S rRNA gene used for identification?
- Date added:
- Thursday, 05 February 2009
Answer
The 16S rRNA gene is found in all bacteria. It has been widely accepted as an excellent marker for identfying bacteria due to the following reasons:
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16S rRNA genes are found in all prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea)
- 16S rRNA gene sequences differ between species
- Some sections of the 16S rRNA gene sequence are highly conserved (similiar) whereas others differ greatly.
- 16S rRNA gene sequences have been used to produce extensive bacterial databases which facilitate our ability to rapidly identify specific organisms.
