Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 20-30 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 26 application prospects in agriculture, industry, medicine and other fields. For example, certain microorganisms can synthesize metabolites with unique biological activities. These metabolites can be used as candidate substances for the development of new drugs, providing new resources for the pharmaceutical industry. Madhavan et al. (2017) described how metagenomic analysis has become a powerful tool for mining new biocatalytically active enzymes from environmental samples, reflecting the application prospects of metagenomics in the development of biological resources. Kodzius and Gojobori (2015) outline the use of marine metagenomics as a source of biological resource development, particularly its potential to explore novel genes, pathways and genomes in uncultured samples. Metagenomics technology also helps us to deeply explore and utilize new functional genes in microbial communities. By sequencing and analyzing the metagenomes of microbial communities in environmental samples, we can discover a large number of genes with unknown functions that may have potential application value. Through gene cloning and expression analysis, we can further verify the functions of these genes and apply them to fields such as biocatalysis and biosynthesis. For example, some microorganisms have efficient degradation capabilities. Through metagenomics analysis, we can discover relevant degradation genes and apply them to environmental remediation and pollution control. Metagenomics technology can also promote the sustainable utilization of microbial resources. Traditional microbial resource development often relies on the isolation and cultivation of specific microorganisms, while metagenomics technology allows us to obtain and utilize microbial genetic resources directly from environmental samples without the need for cumbersome isolation and cultivation processes (Prayogo et al., 2020), This not only improves the efficiency of resource development, but also helps protect the diversity and sustainability of microbial resources. 3.3 The strategic position of metagenomics in addressing global environmental challenges As global environmental challenges become increasingly severe, the strategic position of metagenomics technology has become increasingly prominent. As an advanced technology that can comprehensively analyze the structure and function of environmental microbial communities, metagenomics plays an indispensable role in addressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and soil remediation. Laudadio et al. (2019) assessed how metagenomics can improve our knowledge of microbial community composition in samples ranging from environmental to human samples, highlighting the widespread impact of this technology on environmental science, ecology, and public health on a global scale. Behzad et al. (2015) discussed the current progress of airborne metagenomics, especially the challenges and opportunities of conducting such research, pointing out that airborne microorganisms may have important impacts on atmospheric events, global climate, and human health. In response to climate change, metagenomics technology provides us with in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of microbial community responses to climate change. Through metagenomics analysis, we can reveal how microbial communities adapt and respond to environmental changes such as global warming and extreme climate, as well as their role in key biogeochemical cycles such as the global carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle. These understandings help us develop effective response strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change (Nowrotek et al., 2019). In terms of biodiversity conservation, metagenomics technology provides us with new means to assess ecosystem health and biodiversity. Through metagenomics analysis, we can understand the distribution and diversity of microbial communities in different ecosystems and evaluate the impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functions. This information is of great significance for formulating biodiversity protection policies and implementing ecological restoration projects.
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