Metody molekularne stosowane w badaniu różnorodności mikroorganizmów glebowych

Application of the correct methods of study is essential for a proper description and understanding of natural communities of microorganisms and their relationships. Classical methods used for detection and identification of soil microorganisms resulted in underestimation of the microbiota. It has been claimed that classical methods, based mainly on morphology, led to the identification of only 1% of the soil microbiota, usually species that predominate in culture because of their fast growth and abundant sporulation. Molecular methods allow rapid, accurate, sensitive and cost−effective identification and enumeration of microorganisms. They are designed to replace and/or support classical approaches. This review summarizes some of the current and emerging nucleic acid−based molecular approaches used for detection, discrimination and quantification of microbes in the environment, mostly in soil.