Choosing the right sequencing depth
16S, whole-genome shotgun, and metatranscriptomics each resolve the microbiome differently. Matching method to question is where credible interpretation begins.
Sequencing depth sets the ceiling on what any report can honestly say. 16S Foundation™ resolves community composition at broader taxonomic levels; WGS adds species- and strain-level resolution and gene content; MetaT Functional™ captures active expression. This framework lays out what each method can and cannot resolve so you can choose transparently — no method is overclaimed, and every downstream insight is scoped to the data that produced it.
Why sequencing matters
The method you choose determines the resolution, the confidence, and the questions your report can responsibly address.
Every insight downstream inherits the limits of the sequencing that produced it. A broader method answers broad questions well but cannot resolve fine detail it never measured; a deeper method resolves more but adds cost and complexity. We make these trade-offs explicit rather than implying one approach reveals everything. That way, the confidence indicators on your results reflect genuine measurement capability — sequencing-derived context, matched to method, with associations never presented as certainties.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
16S Foundation™ (16S Sequencing)
A reliable, cost-effective view of who is present.
16S sequencing reads a single, well-studied gene that acts like a barcode for bacteria. It's an efficient way to profile community composition — which broad groups of microbes are present and in roughly what proportions — and to measure diversity. Its limit is important: 16S describes composition, not function or activity. It can tell you who is there, but not what those microbes are doing or which genes are switched on.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
WGS
WGS explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
WGS compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
MetaT Functional™ (Metatranscriptomics)
A glimpse of which microbial genes are active — where validated.
Where DNA sequencing shows genetic potential, metatranscriptomics reads RNA to indicate which microbial genes appear to be actively expressed at the moment of sampling. This adds valuable activity context. It is workflow- and quality-dependent, available in specific validated workflows, and does not measure metabolite concentrations or establish universal functional truth. It complements, rather than replaces, DNA-based methods.
Resolution Comparison
Resolution Comparison explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
Resolution Comparison compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Ecosystem Coverage
Ecosystem Coverage explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
Ecosystem Coverage compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Data Outputs
Data Outputs explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
Data Outputs compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
Comparison Matrix
Comparison Matrix explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
Comparison Matrix compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Use Cases
Use Cases explains the scientific role this topic plays within VAMS BIOME’s microbiome intelligence architecture.
Use Cases compares 16S, whole genome sequencing, and metatranscriptomics as complementary methods for profiling microbial composition, functional potential, and activity context.
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
Compare 16S, WGS and MetaT sequencing depth
See exactly what each method resolves, side by side, before you choose — so your results are matched to the questions you care about.
- ✓ 16S community profiling
- ✓ WGS species and functional potential
- ✓ MetaT active expression context
- ✓ Resolution-aware reporting
- ✓ Tier-specific limitations
Derived from sequencing data. For educational and informational use only; not intended for diagnosis or treatment.