Sampling and metadata

In this chapter details of sampling and sample storage for DNA and RNA analysis are described. Since the sampling strategy and storage protocol are of decisive importance for subsequent analysis, downstream analysis using molecular tools should be defined before the sampling step. This chapter includes protocols to sample planktonic (SOP 2.1) and benthic (SOP 2.2) cyanobacteria as well as a protocol (SOP 2.3) for the isolation of individual filaments/colonies of cyanobacteria under the microscope. The representative sampling of food supplements (SOP 2.4) is described as well. To collect cells for RNA analysis a fast-harvest protocol using low vacuum filtration is described (SOP 2.5). Finally, the SOP 2.6 describes the collecting and recording of sample metadata.