Species Identification through DNA Barcoding and Its Applications: A Review
Le D. Chac, B. B. Thinh
Abstract
Abstract Species identification is a critical aspect of biological research, with applications in fields such as ecology, microbiology, and conservation. The ability to accurately identify species is essential for understanding species’ diversity, distribution, and ecology, as well as for identifying pathogens and endangered species. However, identifying species can be challenging, particularly for microscopic organisms or those with high morphological variation. DNA barcoding has emerged as a tool for species identification based on a standardized DNA sequence. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of species identification through DNA barcoding and its applications. Overall, this tool has been gaining popularity due to its high accuracy and efficiency in identifying species, especially in cases where morphological identification is difficult or impossible. However, to correctly identify organisms from various samples, appropriate DNA barcode sequences must be used at different taxonomic levels. These DNA barcodes can be found in either the nucleus or the cytoplasm of an organism’s cells, and they may be used alone or in combination to enhance the accuracy of identification. In summary, DNA barcoding is a powerful molecular tool for species identification that has revolutionized our understanding of species diversity and evolutionary relationships. The potential applications of DNA barcoding are vast and far-reaching, making it a valuable tool for researchers and conservationists alike.