Analysis of Full-Length Metagenomic 16S Genes by Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing

• High-throughput sequencing of the complete 16S rRNA gene has become a valuable tool for characterizing microbial communities. • However, the short reads produced by second-generation sequencing cannot provide taxonomic classification below the genus level. • In this study, we demonstrate the capability of PacBio’s Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) Sequencing to generate community profiles using mock microbial community samples from BEI Resources. • We also evaluate multiplexing capabilities using PacBio® barcodes on pooled samples comprising heterogeneous 16S amplicon populations representing soil, fecal, and mock communities. Introduction Multiplexing 16S Samples with Barcodes Accurate Single Molecule 16S Sequences