What is metagenomics?

Metagenomics is a powerful approach in genetics and microbiology that involves sequencing DNA from a group of species found within an ecosystem. This allows researchers to study the collective genetic material from diverse organisms without the need to isolate and culture individual species. The ability to analyze the entire community's genomes provides insights into the roles and interactions of various organisms in an environment, as well as their genetic diversity, functional capabilities, and contributions to ecosystems.

The focus of metagenomics is on understanding the complex interactions among multiple species, particularly microorganisms, and how these relationships shape environmental processes, health, and ecosystem functions. By studying the metagenome, scientists can uncover information about microbial ecology that would be difficult or impossible to obtain through traditional methods that require isolation of single species.