Introduction to Our Services
In the realm of microbiology, understanding and characterizing bacteria and fungi is vital. Our full suite of services is designed to accurately identify and characterize these microbes using advanced sequencing techniques.
Advanced Sequencing Techniques
We begin the identification process with 16S rRNA sequencing for bacteria and archaea. For fungal species, we utilize rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. These methods ensure precise identification, laying a strong foundation for further analysis.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Phenotypic Analysis
Following the initial identification, we offer whole genome sequencing and a comprehensive array of analyses. This includes gene identification and comparative genomics methods like Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI), Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI), and phylogenomic analysis. Our approach incorporates Venn diagrams to help in identifying shared and unique genes among different species. Coupled with traditional testing methods, such as Gram staining and biochemical tests, we also utilize medium-throughput phenotypic analyses with Biolog Gen III plates and high-throughput analyses using phenotype microarrays.
Chemotaxonomic Analysis and Our Microbial Collection
Our services extend to chemotaxonomic analysis, where we investigate pigments, respiratory quinones, polar lipids, and fatty acid methyl esters. Furthermore, we have built an extensive collection of well-characterized bacteria and yeast over more than 20 years, stemming from Lycoming College microbiology students identifying unknown organisms. This collection enhances our research capabilities and supports various microbiological studies.