MetaGen Soluções Moleculares
Solutions

The question guides the analysis.

Environmental genomics for biodiversity, from study design to data interpretation. Service areas complement one another according to the project objective.

01 / ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA)

Environmental DNA
(eDNA)

Investigating biodiversity through traces of DNA present in the environment.

The approach connects sampling, molecular analysis and bioinformatics. Metabarcoding can be part of this process to investigate groups of organisms.

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Water sampling in a natural environment.
SERVICE AREAS

Complementary approaches.

A professional wearing protective equipment handles a pipette in a laboratory.
02

Metabarcoding

Analysis of DNA regions in a mixture of biological material to investigate different organisms. It can be applied to environmental DNA and community samples, such as ichthyoplankton and invertebrates, depending on the groups of interest.

The markers and available references determine what can be identified.

Explore Metabarcoding ↗
Close-up of an amphibian, representing a target species in a targeted molecular analysis.
03

qPCR

Detection and quantification of target species, where applicable to the analytical scope.

An approach directed at a predefined species or target.

Explore qPCR ↗
A person wearing protective equipment performs pipetting in a laboratory.
04

DNA barcoding

Molecular identification of a biological sample by comparing DNA regions with reference sequences.

Identification depends on sample quality, the marker and the representation of the group in reference databases.

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Insects photographed in detail.
05

Population genetics and genomics

Investigating genetic diversity and structure among individuals and populations to support questions about conservation and connectivity.

Microsatellites, SNPs and sequencing are options whose selection depends on the question, individuals and sampling locations.

Explore Population genetics and genomics ↗
Graphical representation of sequencing data with A, C, T and G bases.
06

Bioinformatics

Processing sequencing data, assessing quality and organizing results for biological interpretation.

Analytical criteria, reference databases and the limits of taxonomic assignment are part of the scope.

Explore Bioinformatics ↗
FROM QUESTION TO ANSWER

Application examples

Possible applications: the question, sample and limitations of the approach guide the scope and deliverables.

01 / Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding

Which fish species occur in each stretch of the river, including threatened and invasive non-native species?

Fish in an aquatic environment.
Analysis
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding
Answer / deliverable
A list of species detected at each sampling point and in each survey campaign, observed richness, comparison with conventional surveys and a map of detections.

Possible applications

  • Monitoring fish communities in reservoirs and river stretches for environmental licensing.
  • Surveying mammals and amphibians using water, soil and sediment.
  • Tracking areas undergoing restoration over time.

Taxonomic groups, sample types and deliverables depend on the design, markers and available references. Failure to detect DNA does not establish that a species is absent.

Explore the approach Understand metabarcoding
02 / qPCR — targeted species detection

Has invasive species X reached this reservoir?

Golden mussels attached to a substrate.

Does threatened species Y still persist in this river stretch after construction?

Analysis
qPCR — targeted species detection
Answer / deliverable
Detection or non-detection for each sample, with a detection limit and controls, and a time series when sampling campaigns are repeated.

Possible applications

  • Early surveillance of invasive species in water bodies.
  • Investigating the persistence of target species in conservation plans.
  • Rapid targeted screening before a broader metabarcoding analysis.

Presence/absence refers to detection of the target under the assay conditions. Non-detection does not mean absolute absence; assay availability and validation must be assessed.

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03 / DNA barcoding

Which species does this egg, larva, tissue fragment or carcass belong to?

Fish eggs and larvae viewed under magnification.

Is the morphological identification correct?

Analysis
DNA barcoding
Answer / deliverable
Molecular identification of each specimen, including its sequence, similarity to references and confidence level.

Possible applications

  • Identifying ichthyoplankton, including eggs and larvae, in studies of fish reproduction.
  • Confirming specimen identity in collections and field samples.
  • Verifying species in seized or traded biological material.

The level of identification possible depends on sample quality, the marker and available references.

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04 / Population genetics and genomics

Do populations upstream and downstream of the dam still exchange individuals?

A dam separating stretches of an aquatic system.

What is the genetic diversity of the source population for a reintroduction?

Analysis
Population genetics and genomics
Answer / deliverable
Diversity indices, population structure, connectivity estimates and management recommendations, using microsatellite markers, SNPs or sequencing as appropriate to the study.

Possible applications

  • Assessing fragmentation associated with dams.
  • Selecting breeding individuals or source populations for breeding and release programs.
  • Studying species with restricted distributions, such as annual killifish in temporary pools.

Genetic connectivity does not directly measure the current movement of individuals. Inferences depend on the timescale, sampling and markers; an association alone does not demonstrate causation.

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05 / Bioinformatics

I have raw sequencing data and need an auditable species list and figures for a report.

Graphical visualization of bioinformatic analyses.
Analysis
Bioinformatics
Answer / deliverable
Processing with documented parameters, curated reference databases, contamination control and results ready for interpretation.

Possible applications

  • Reprocessing third-party data.
  • Standardizing results across sampling campaigns.
  • Integrating molecular data with the project’s ecological data.

Scope, curation and controls depend on the available data and metadata. Taxonomic resolution depends on the quality of sequences and references.

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TALK TO METAGEN

Which approach is right for your study?

Tell us about the project context, environment and the question you need to answer. An initial conversation helps define the approach and scope.

Prepare a request contato@metagen.com.br