DNA Barcoding

What is barcoding ?
DNA barcoding is the analysis of a short DNA sequence for the purpose of species identification. Just as each species has its own unique morphology, it also has unique segments of DNA (for more information) PDF. This method has been referred to as barcoding as an analogy with the UPC bar codes that are used to identify manufactured goods .

What is the purpose ?
Taxonomy underpins all biological research, with implications for many basic scientific and applied fields. Knowledge of ecosystem health and stability for example, first requires baseline data of the species present on a broad scale in order to measure changes in composition or abundance.

A DNA based method for identification will be very useful for determining species where traditional morphological techniques are inconclusive. As well, some groups of plants such as grasses or mosses can be time consuming and require expert knowledge to identify. For these species, sequences can quickly be compared to those from an established database to determine identity.

The barcoding approach will also permit relatively easy identification of immature life stages or plant parts (e.g. roots, portion of a leaf) that would otherwise be very difficult or impossible to identify. New species that have been previously overlooked or misidentified will be detected and added to the database.

Using a group of species with a broad taxonomic coverage we have begun evaluating a number of target sequences for their utility in DNA barcoding at our molecular identification lab adjacent to our collections room.

What we offer:
OAC Herbarium will also offer plant identification (either molecular or morphological level) services for the public and industry at a minimal cost. For more detail contact Dr. Newmaster, Director.