1. We are sequencing the DNA samples found within our sourdough samples to find out which microorganisms lived within them, within the 16S rRNA bacterial gene and the ITS region of fungal genes.
2. Analyzing all of the genomic DNA through shotgun metagenomic sequencing can be more time consuming and difficult to organize at the end of our sequencing process. However, this method may allow us to detect genetic anomalies within samples used.
By focusing on only the 16S and ITS regions through amplicon-based metagenomic sequencing, we can focus on the specific genes on interest more easily. However, the process of amplifying the specific regions of interest takes longer to prepare at first by adding “barcodes” to our samples.
3.
What are the similarities between different species of pear? Does the origin of the pear itself affect its genetic diversity, or is the classification less than we may assume?
Which berry with external features, raspberries or strawberries, contain more diversity within its sourdough sample? Does the presence of external seeds contain more vessels to hold DNA, or does the bulbs of the berries? As both are the same color and grown on vines, we may be able to isolate the differences between these.
As bananas grow in trees and zucchinis on the ground, does the origin being closer to dirt increase the amount of organisms found within the zucchini DNA?
Interesting questions! It does seem reasonable that things grown closer to the ground might have more microorganism diversity, but were these foods washed prior to you buying them? You do bring up a good question about origin, and perhaps where something is collected is more important than what it is.