Why is the 16S rRNA gene a preferred marker for the identifi

Why is the 16S rRNA gene a preferred marker for the identification, classification, and evolutionary history of microbes? Detail your answer based on 5 main characteristics of this gene. In other words, for each of the 5 characteristics listed, provide a reason for why that is important to make this gene a preferred one for this type of study. Lastly, are “functional” genes, such as antibiotic resistant genes not appropriate to study evolutionary history of microbes?

Solution

Its presence in almost all bacteria

function of the 16S rRNA gene over time has not changed its unique

the 16S rRNA gene (1,500 bp) is large enough for informatics purposes

Its isolation is easy

easy to use in genomic studies