Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

DNA Stable-Isotope Probing DNA-SIP
Published on: August 2, 2010
RNA-Based Stable Isotope Probing (RNA-SIP) in the Gut Environment
Severin Weis1,2, Sylvia Schnell2, Markus Egert3
1Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Institute of Precision Medicine, Microbiology and Hygiene Group, Furtwangen University, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.
Abstract:
The RNA-SIP technology allows for linking the structure and function of complex microbial communities, that is, the identification of microbial key players involved in distinct degradation and assimilation processes under in situ conditions. Being dependent on RNA, this technique is particularly suited for environments with high numbers of very active, that is, significantly RNA-expressing microorganisms, such as intestinal tract samples. We use RNA-SIP for the identification of bacteria involved in the degradation and assimilation of prebiotic carbohydrates in order to better understand the functionality of these medically and economically important nutrients in human and animal intestinal environments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
RNA Stability
Bacterial RNA Polymerase
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Editing
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
RNA Splicing

