The Term "Metagenome" was Coined by Jo Handelsman and Colleagues

Question

The term "metagenome" was coined by Jo Handelsman and colleagues in 1998 to refer to
A) shotgun cloning.
B) screening of libraries for expression of genes.
C) the DNA sequence obtained directly from a mixture of genomes.
D) the DNA sequence taken directly from a colony.
E) all uncultured organisms from a community.

Accepted Answer

The term "metagenome" specifically refers to the DNA sequence obtained directly from a mixture of genomes, without the need for individual isolation and cultivation of each organism. This allows for the study of the genetic diversity and functional potential of entire microbial communities, including uncultured organisms. The other options do not accurately describe the concept of a metagenome.