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Updated: May 3, 2026

Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis DGGE
Published on: February 25, 2007
Analysis of community dynamics in environmental samples using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
1Department of Biogeochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is a culture-independent fingerprinting technique that allows for rapid comparative analysis of changes to microbial communities. 16S rRNA genes amplified from environmental samples can be separated based on their melting behavior in a denaturing gradient of urea and formamide. A fingerprint of the microbial community is generated with each band on the gel assumed to correspond to a different bacterial species. Community dynamics can then be assessed through statistical analysis of DGGE profiles and the sequencing of excised bands.
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