Overview of Metagenomics for Marine Biodiversity Research

Abstract

We are in the midst of the fastest growing revolution in molecular biology, perhaps in all of life science, and it appears to be speeding up. We still know very little about the vast diversity of micro-organisms, their metabolic pathways and microbial activity in natural environments. Modern genomic tools are providing deep access to natural microbial diversity and ecology. Interdisciplinary approaches will be required to fully understand microbial ecology by: (1) analysis of genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes and metabolomes and (2) analysis at various levels of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Data gathered is not only theoretical. It holds the promise of practical applications in the control of infectious diseases, in the production of biotechnology goods and services and in environmental remediation. It is an incredibly exciting time in science for the newer generation of scientists, “loaded” with opportunities. It is an excellent time to develop and apply tools to solve problems of local and global importance.