Stable-Isotope Probing RNA to Study Plant/Fungus Interactions
Abstract
The use of stable-isotope probing (SIP) allows tracing specific labeled substrates into fungi leading to a better understanding of their role in biogeochemical cycles and their relationship with their environment. Stable-isotope probing combined with ribosomal RNA molecule, conserved in the three kingdoms of life, and messenger RNA analysis permits the linkage of diversity and function. Here, we describe two methods designed to investigate the interactions between plant and its associated mycorrhizal compartment by tracing carbon flux from the host plant to its symbionts.