Methods for 16S rRNA sequencing

This guide introduces the fundamentals of 16S rRNA sequencing, a widely used method for analyzing bacterial communities and microbiomes. Learn how amplicon-based next-generation sequencing targets the 16S rRNA gene to identify and classify bacteria and archaea in complex biological and environmental samples. The resource explains key principles of microbiome sequencing, compares 16S rRNA sequencing with shotgun metagenomics, and outlines the full workflow, from DNA extraction and library preparation to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for taxonomic classification and relative abundance profiling. It also explores major applications in human microbiome research, infectious disease detection, and environmental monitoring.