Application of DGGE analysis to the study of bacterial community structure in plant roots and in nonrhizosphere soil

To analyze the structure of bacterial communities in spinach roots and in the nonrhizosphere soil, we used PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), DGGE revealed a large number of band patterns, which were ascribed to various bacterial species composing each of the bacterial communities. The pattern from the roots was less complex than that from the soil. It is considered that DGGE analysis is suitable for studies of bacterial community structure in soil-plant ecosystems.