Reviewing DNA barcoding as a means of identifying rare and endangered plant species

Title

Reviewing DNA barcoding as a means of identifying rare and endangered plant species

Author

1. Tejas Khatri, Postdoctoral Researcher, M.S.J. College, India

Abstract

Genamic barcoding is a relatively new concept. The system was developed to automate the identification of species with high precision and speed by using tag DNA sequences that are already widely used in biology. DNA barcoding may be useful for taxonomists and environmentalists. The initial goal of DNA barcoding is to create a database of all species' barcode sequences that can be accessed online. These databases will be used as a reference point against which DNA barcodes from recognised and unidentified samples may be compared. Because of this, it may be possible to solve several problems with conventional structural taxonomy, such as misinterpreting species because of phenotypic variation and genotypic fluctuation of the characters, failing to recognise cryptic taxa, and having trouble locating reliable characters because of lengthy maturation times (CBOL Plant Working Group, 2009). Locations where damage or a lack of development of morphological features makes it difficult to accurately identify species using just morphological qualities might benefit greatly from this method. DNA barcoding is a helpful tool since it provides information about undetected species, but it should not be mistaken for classification. Methods for selecting and redefining plant barcodes are discussed, and the authors share their thoughts on and recommendations for future research and practise.

Keywords

Conclusion

DNA barcoding has made it possible to obtain standard DNA barcodes from even the rarest and most endangered plant species. Methods that contextually enhance search efficiency utilising frequently used plant names and character-based keys for differentiating closely related species when using plant DNA identification will need to be invented in the not-too-distant future. In cases when the flowers or fruit of the desired plant cannot be obtained, this method may be used to accurately identify commercial products like herbal medicine compounds, rice kinds, and timber wood.

Author Contrubution

The author confirms sole responsibility for the following: study conception and design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, and manuscript preparation.

Funding

The authors did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of Interest

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Data Sharing Statement

Not applicable

Software And Tools Use

Not applicable

Acknowledgements

I thank the following individuals for their expertise and assistance in all aspects of our study and for their help in writing the manuscript. I am also grateful for the insightful comments given by anonymous peer reviewers. Everyone's generosity and expertise have improved this study in myriad ways and saved me from many errors.