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

To analyze the structure of bacterial communities in spinach roots and in t he nonrhizosphere soil, we used PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments separ ated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), DGGE revealed a lar ge number of band patterns, which were ascribed to various bacterial specie s composing each of the bacterial communities. The pattern from the roots w as less complex than that from the soil. It is considered that DGGE analysi s is suitable for studies of bacterial community structure in soil-plant ec osystems.