Yes, 16S primers can sometimes amplify plant organelles, specifically the 16S rRNA gene found in the chloroplasts of plants. Chloroplasts contain their own ribosomal RNA genes, which are similar to those found in bacteria due to their evolutionary origin.
However, the degree of amplification will depend on several factors, including:
- Primer Specificity: Some 16S primers are designed specifically for bacterial targets and may not efficiently amplify chloroplast DNA. Others may be more inclusive.
- Sample Composition: In samples with a complex mixture of organisms, such as environmental samples, the presence of plant DNA can lead to amplification of chloroplast sequences.
- Target Region: Different regions of the 16S gene may show varying levels of conservation between bacterial and chloroplast DNA, influencing the likelihood of successful amplification.
If you aim to specifically analyze bacterial communities and want to avoid amplifying plant organelles, it may be necessary to choose primers that are specifically designed to target bacterial 16S rRNA genes.