16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA)

16S rRNA sequencing is not the preferred method for analyzing bacteria on species level
Olaisen et al. 2021

16S rRNA sequencing is not the preferred method for analyzing bacteria on species level16S ribosomal RNA (or 16S rRNA) is the RNA component of the 30S small subunit of a prokaryotic ribosome (SSU rRNA).

Multiple sequences of the 16S rRNA gene can exist within a single bacterium

With third-generation sequencing coming to many labs, simultaneous identification of thousands of 16S rRNA sequences is possible within hours, allowing metagenomic studies, for example of gut flora

The 16S rRNA gene is used as the standard for classification and identification of microbes, because it is present in most microbes and shows proper changes
Yarza et al. 2014 Nature Reviews Microbiology 12(9): 635-645

The most frequently used 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) databases are:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)


• EzBioCloud


• Ribosomal Database Project (RDP)


• SILVA rRNA database


• Greengenes