Ans: Metagenomics is a field of molecular biology that involves the study of genetic material directly extracted from environmental samples, such as soil, water, or the human body, without the need for isolating and culturing individual organisms. It provides a comprehensive view of the genetic diversity and functional potential of entire microbial communities, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Metagenomics employs advanced sequencing and bioinformatics techniques to analyze and interpret the vast amount of genetic information present in these samples, allowing researchers to understand the structure, composition, and dynamics of microbial ecosystems. This approach has revolutionized our understanding of microbial diversity, ecology, evolution, and their interactions with their environment, as well as its applications in various fields including medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology.
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