Samples such as soil, water, animal gut, and others can undergo 16S metagenome and ITS metagenome analysis.

Since fungi do not have the 16S gene sequence, if conducting metagenomic experiments on fungi, highly conserved regions such as the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region in fungi would be used instead.

16S/ITS metagenome focuses solely on the 16S rRNA gene or ITS1 region, providing information specifically about the microbial community composition.

In contrast, whole genome metagenome encompasses the entire microbial genome, offering a more comprehensive understanding, including insights into gene functionality and metabolic pathways.

Whole genome metagenome analyzes the entire microbial genome, not just a single gene, allowing the detection of various microorganisms present in the sample, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and other microbes.

Whole genome metagenome analyzes the entire microbial genome, providing a more comprehensive view, whereas 16S metagenome focuses solely on the 16S rRNA gene, offering a basic understanding of microbial composition.

Whole genome metagenome analyzes microbial communities in the environment without isolating and culturing individual colonies.

In contrast, Whole Genome Sequence focuses on analyzing the genome of a single microbial strain, requiring isolation and cultivation before analysis.