Yes, true in a sense, studies have used PFLA to examine changes in fungal and bacterial communities. However, there are certain lipid biomarkers that can be associated with functionality such as those associated with methanotrophic bacteria, sulphate reducers, etc. However, using PLFA for other more common functional groups is not an option, and would be better investigated using molecular methods, but this goes off in a whole other direction discussing methodology.
Meagan Hynes, Ph.D.
Soil Consultant
Soil and Plant Laboratory, Inc.
1101 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite G-173
San Jose, CA 95128
Ph: (408) 727-0330
Fax: (408) 727-5125
>>> "Pawlett, Mark" <m.pawlett@cranfield.ac.uk> 3/18/2011 2:33 AM >>>
Hi Just for clarity, PLFAs is not a functional assay. It gives a phenotypic signature. I’m sure you can appreciate that the two are very different. From PLFA you can get things like fungi:bact ratios from which you can infer functional relationships, but this is still phenotypic signature. Mark From: compost_tea@yahoogroups.com [mailto:compost_tea@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Meagan Hynes Even for molecular or PLFA analysis, most bacteria are examined in terms of functional groups when you are doing community analysis. Unfortunately, I don't think a program combined with a microscope like that would be realistic. -Meagan Meagan Hynes, Ph.D. Soil Consultant Soil and Plant Laboratory, Inc. 1101 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite G-173 San Jose, CA 95128 Ph: (408) 727-0330 Fax: (408) 727-5125
That would be some complex software and the sensing equipment would be very ....hmmmm since bacteria are not discernable visually. |