Scientists Identify Plant Barcode Gene
February 8, 2008| |
Scientists from London’s Imperial College and the Royal Botanic Gardens have identified a “barcode” gene that can distinguish the majority of plant species on Earth. Barcode genes contain DNA sequences that vary greatly among different species but not at all within them. These genes can be used in cataloging different plant species in an area, identifying plant ingredients in powdered substances, such as in traditional Chinese medicine, and can help monitor illegal trading of endangered plants.
The scientists tested more than 80 plant species from South Africa and Costa Rica using eight barcode genes. A particular gene, matK, has been shown to correctly classify over 90 percent of the species. Vincent Savolainen , who led the group, said that the discovery may prompt the development of a portable device which can quickly and easily analyze any plant sample’s matK DNA and compare it to a vast database of information, allowing almost instantaneous identification.
Read more at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2008/plant-0502.htm The abstract of the paper published by PNAS is available at http://www.pnas.org/papbysection.shtml#PLANT_BIOLOGY
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