What is fatty acid profiling?

Answer 1

For identification of bacteria, 16S rRNA gene sequencing has been done for several years. Problems with it are sequences in some databases are not accurate, there is no consensus quantitative definition of genus or species based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data, the proliferation of species names based on minimal genetic and phenotypic differences raises communication difficulties, and microheterogeneity in 16S rRNA gene sequence within a species is common. Despite its accuracy, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis lacks widespread use beyond the large and reference laboratories because of technical and cost considerations. An alternative to this is FATTY ACID PROFILING. It means the entire fatty acid composition of the particular organism is determined and this information is used for its identification. In this method, the bacteria are cultured and their Cellular lipids were saponified, and the fatty acids were methylated, extracted and purified by simple single tube method. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters were separated, identified and quantified by computer controlled automated gas chromatography using a software library of known fatty acid methyl esters. Profiles thus obtained are now used for identification of bacteria. The composition of fatty acids varies at generic as well as specific levels, also varies with culture conditions. fatty acid profile is unique for a particular organism, thus making it easy to identify. For identification of bacteria, 16S rRNA gene sequencing has been done for several years. Problems with it are sequences in some databases are not accurate, there is no consensus quantitative definition of genus or species based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data, the proliferation of species names based on minimal genetic and phenotypic differences raises communication difficulties, and microheterogeneity in 16S rRNA gene sequence within a species is common. Despite its accuracy, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis lacks widespread use beyond the large and reference laboratories because of technical and cost considerations. An alternative to this is FATTY ACID PROFILING. It means the entire fatty acid composition of the particular organism is determined and this information is used for its identification. In this method, the bacteria are cultured and their Cellular lipids were saponified, and the fatty acids were methylated, extracted and purified by simple single tube method. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters were separated, identified and quantified by computer controlled automated gas chromatography using a software library of known fatty acid methyl esters. Profiles thus obtained are now used for identification of bacteria. The composition of fatty acids varies at generic as well as specific levels, also varies with culture conditions. fatty acid profile is unique for a particular organism, thus making it easy to identify.