A practical approach to bacterial biodiversity

This practical work unit aims to apply students' knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology to identify bacteria in the environment.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the bacterial population present in a soil sample is typically performed by identifying species using conventional bacteriological methods in successive stages: 1) isolation of the bacterial flora; 2) diagnosis of family and genus using conventional media and tests; 3) diagnosis of species using API System galleries.

Molecular biology techniques now make it possible to identify bacteria present in a sample without the need for culture. This approach requires access to a sequencing platform and will also be carried out in practical work, allowing the two approaches to be compared. The sequencing results obtained will enable bioinformatic analysis of the rrsA gene specifying the 16S RNA of the isolated bacteria.

- Practical expertise in microbiology and molecular biology

- Utilize your knowledge and develop your ability to analyze results

- Develop critical thinking and synthesis skills

- Mobilize simple bioinformatics tools

basic knowledge of bacteriology and molecular biology