Unveiling the microbial world: Single-cell techniques in environmental microbiology
Abstract
Microorganisms are ubiquitous, playing pivotal roles in diverse ecosystems ranging from soil and water to extreme environments like deep-sea vents and polar ice caps. Traditional microbiological methods have provided valuable insights into microbial communities; however, they often overlook the inherent heterogeneity within these communities. Single-cell techniques have revolutionized environmental microbiology by allowing researchers to explore microbial diversity, function and interactions at the individual cell level. This article delves into the significance of single-cell techniques in environmental microbiology, their methodologies and applications. Microbial diversity encompasses the range of microorganisms present in a given environment, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and viruses.