Frequently Asked Questions about DGGE Analysis

This section was created to answer more commonly asked questions about DGGE analysis. If these FAQs do not fully answer your questions please contact MI at (865) 573-8188.

• Why is the 16S rRNA gene used for identification?

• What is the detection limit for DGGE?

• What information can DGGE give me?

Presence of specific bacteria and bacterial goups

• How do I know if a particular genus of bacteria is present?

• Can I tell the abundance of a genus?

• What does the similarity ratio mean?

• What does it mean if the genus match is "low"?

• What does it mean if there isn't a genus match, but is a match for a family or order?

• I want to know if a certain species is present, can DGGE tell me this?

Changes in the bacterial population

• How can DGGE be used to show changes in the population even if specific genera are not identified?