DNA Barcoding is a classification method used to identify an individual species by using a brief genetic marker in an organism’s DNA. Barcoding is helpful because before researchers would use morphological features in order to classify or determine a species (Barcode of Life). If the species are damaged or immature the scientist could classify by using DNA Barcoding (Barcode of Life).
The two barcodes we are using in lab are 16S and CO1. The 16S rRNA is one of the most common housekeeping genetic markers used to study bacterial phylogeny and taxonomy (Janda and Abbott 2007). Barcode 16S rRNA is a major component of 30S subunit that consist of 1542 bases (Jane and Abbott 2007). 16S main structure is highly conserved. Due to the fact the 16S rRNA is highly conserved it is most commonly found in majority of bacteria (Janda and Abbott 2007). 16S rRNA gene sequence examination can enhance …show more content…
The CO1 codes for an important process in cellular respiration. The CO1 gene is present in almost every eukaryotic gene. (Science Learning Hub). This mitochondrial gene is also highly conserved like 16S rRNA and can be copied from unidentified organisms (Science Learning Hub). Every cell as a multitude of mitochondria, copies 1- 1000 depending on the amount of energy is required for the cell (Science Learning Hub). This means when doing PCR and the tissue sample is limited, the researcher as a great chance of extracting mitochondria and having successful PCR outcome (Science Learning Hub). The con for the CO1 gene is pseudo genes being sequenced because mitochondrial DNA are sometimes transfer to nuclear DNA causing the sequence to include pseudo genes (Science Learning Hub). Also, the CO1 is not preferred for identifying plants because the CO1 gene sequence does not change significantly (Science Learning Hub). Both 16S and CO1 are used to identify phylogenetic relations between