Genomics:GTL

Close Window

Fig. 1. Probing Microbial Communities.

Microbial communities and ecosystems must be probed at the environmental, community, cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. The environmental structure of a community will be examined to define members and their locations, community dynamics, and structure-function links. Cells will be explored to detect and track both extra- and intercellular states and to determine the dynamics of molecules involved in intercellular communications. Probing must be done at the subcellular level to detect, localize, and track individual molecules. Preferably, measurements will be made in living systems over extended time scales and at the highest resolution. A number of techniques are emerging to address these demanding requirements; a brief listing is on the right side of the figure.