32
nucleic acids is evaluated by a confocal microarray scanner. The probes hybridized
to a labelled target will only yield a signal revealing the presence of cognate nucleic
acid motifs in the sample (Huyghe et al. 2009).
For the purpose of microbial ecology, the microarray with specific variations is
being utilised to study structural and functional characteristics of microbial communities. 16S rRNA gene microarrays are designed to provide the structural information whereas functional gene arrays (FGA) are formulated for explaining the
functional attributes of the microbial communities (McGrath et al. 2010). An interesting study applied the GeoChip 3.0 microarray technology that proved significant
variation in nitrogen-, carbon-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-cycling genes and processes
associated with soil microbial communities under traditional organically managed
agricultural fields (Xue et al. 2013). Microarray is also helpful in the studies of
associated phytopathogens. Detection of pathogenic bacteria in potato causing
blackleg and soft rot (Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Dickeya spp.), ring rot
(Clavibacter michiganensis), scab (Streptomyces scabies, Streptomyces turgidiscabies), and brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum) were identified via microarray
(Degefu et al. 2016). However, cross-hybridization is the key limitation in microarray when analyzing environmental samples.
3 Methods for Exploring Soil Microbial Diversity
nucleic acids is evaluated by a confocal microarray scanner. The probes hybridized
to a labelled target will only yield a signal revealing the presence of cognate nucleic
acid motifs in the sample (Huyghe et al. 2009).
For the purpose of microbial ecology, the microarray with specific variations is
being utilised to study structural and functional characteristics of microbial communities. 16S rRNA gene microarrays are designed to provide the structural information whereas functional gene arrays (FGA) are formulated for explaining the
functional attributes of the microbial communities (McGrath et al. 2010). An interesting study applied the GeoChip 3.0 microarray technology that proved significant
variation in nitrogen-, carbon-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-cycling genes and processes
associated with soil microbial communities under traditional organically managed
agricultural fields (Xue et al. 2013). Microarray is also helpful in the studies of
associated phytopathogens. Detection of pathogenic bacteria in potato causing
blackleg and soft rot (Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Dickeya spp.), ring rot
(Clavibacter michiganensis), scab (Streptomyces scabies, Streptomyces turgidiscabies), and brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum) were identified via microarray
(Degefu et al. 2016). However, cross-hybridization is the key limitation in microarray when analyzing environmental samples.
3 Methods for Exploring Soil Microbial Diversity