ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the application of Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) in the field of cultural heritage to obtain information on the microorganisms involved on processes of biodetererioration. FISH techniques help to better understand relationships between microorganisms, and at single cell level, identify their taxonomic position. FISH is a technique that allows the detection of DNA or RNA sequences within whole cells through the use of molecular probes, labeled directly or indirectly with a fluorochrome. K. Sterflinger & M. Hain applied FISH technique for the visualization of black yeasts and meristematic growing fungi isolated from rocks. G. Pinar et al. applied FISH in association with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for the detection of indigenous bacterial and archaeal populations in samples taken from damaged ancient wall paintings and their enrichment cultures. Special problems for samples taken from deteriorated surfaces are the autofluorescence due to the inorganic particles, some organisms such as algae and fungi, and the presence of cells in aggregates.
