The purpose of this project is to be able to identify the different bacterial species from rat feces by sequencing DNA that codes for the 16s rRNA using BLAST sequencing. In order to do this, DNA must be extracted from rat feces. Then the extracted DNA must be examined via a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which will target and amplify the specific 16s rDNA sequence. Once the numerous copies are made, then the DNA will be run through a gel electrophoresis to make sure that amplification of the 16s rDNA sequence was successful. Afterwards, the extracted 16s rDNA sequences will be run through BLAST sequence to identify the specific bacterial species found within the gastro-intestinal tract of the rats. The main goal of this research project is to identify different bacterial species in the feces to explore the microbiomes present in of the rat.
Although this research focuses only on the identification of bacteria in rat gut microbiomes, these methods will pave the way for further research concerning the effects of exercise on gut microbiome diversity. The long term goal is to be able to determine whether or not activity in rats effects the health and diversity of their microbiome. Research has shown that exercise may increase the diversity of the gut microbiome in human. However, there is debate as to whether the increase in diversity is actually related to the change in diet of the athletes. Therefore, further study regarding the effects of exercise and the gut microbiome is needed to support the hypothesis that exercise increases microbiome diversity.
Although this research focuses only on the identification of bacteria in rat gut microbiomes, these methods will pave the way for further research concerning the effects of exercise on gut microbiome diversity. The long term goal is to be able to determine whether or not activity in rats effects the health and diversity of their microbiome. Research has shown that exercise may increase the diversity of the gut microbiome in human. However, there is debate as to whether the increase in diversity is actually related to the change in diet of the athletes. Therefore, further study regarding the effects of exercise and the gut microbiome is needed to support the hypothesis that exercise increases microbiome diversity.