Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 20-30 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 20 Research Article Open Access Environmental Microbial Diversity and Ecosystem Health Revealed by Metagenomics TaoChen Research Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 2693733238@qq.com Molecular Microbiology Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0003 Received: 05 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 15 Jan., 2024 Published: 31 Jan., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen T., 2024, Environmental microbial diversity and ecosystem health revealed by metagenomics, Molecular Microbiology Research, 14(1): 20-30 (doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0003) Abstract The continuous development of metagenomics technology, its application in the study of environmental microbial diversity is becoming increasingly widespread. This study reviews the application of metagenomics technology in the study of environmental microorganisms, focusing on the intrinsic connection between environmental microbial diversity and ecosystem health. Metagenomics technology provides a new perspective for ecological environment protection and restoration by revealing the structure and functional relationship of microbial communities. This article also looks forward to the potential and challenges of metagenomics in environmental monitoring, biological resource development, and response to global environmental challenges. This article aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for a deeper understanding of the relationship between microbial diversity and ecosystem health, as well as the application of metagenomics in ecological environment protection and restoration. Keywords Metagenomics; Environmental microbial diversity; Ecosystem health; Environmental monitoring; Biological resource development In the earth's ecosystem, environmental microbial diversity plays a vital role. They not only participate in biogeochemical cycles, but also maintain the stability and health of the ecosystem. The diversity and functional complexity of environmental microorganisms have a profound impact on ecosystems, involving many aspects from the driving of primary productivity to the decomposition of organic matter (Zhang, 2016). However, because microorganisms are tiny, diverse, and difficult to cultivate, traditional research methods often fail to fully reveal their diversity and functions. In recent years, with the rapid development of metagenomics technology, the study of environmental microbial diversity has achieved revolutionary breakthroughs. Metagenomics, also known as metagenomics, is a research method that directly analyzes the genetic material of all microorganisms in environmental samples (Taş et al., 2021). It can comprehensively explore the genetic composition, species diversity, gene functions and interactions of microbial communities in environmental samples without the need to isolate and culture microorganisms. The development of this technology has opened up a new path for environmental microbial research and greatly promoted an in-depth understanding of the diversity and functions of environmental microorganisms (Wang et al., 2020). This study aims to use metagenomics technology to deeply explore the intrinsic connection between environmental microbial diversity and ecosystem health. Through metagenomics analysis, it is expected to reveal the structure and function of microbial communities and their impact on ecosystem health, providing scientific basis for ecological environment protection and restoration. This research not only helps to improve the understanding of microbial ecology, but also has important practical significance and application value, and can provide theoretical support and technical support for environmental protection and sustainable development.
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