Analysis of Toxigenic Cyanobacterial Communities through Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

This chapter describes the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method, which allows studying the genetic diversity of cyanobacteria in the environment. Depending on the gene/DNA fragment selected, the total diversity of cyanobacterial community or diversity of taxa with specific features, such as the ability to produce toxins can be recognized. Protocol 9.1 (SOP 9.1) describes DGGE analysis using mcyA gene to study the occurrence and diversity of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria.