Curating and Validating Universally Applicable Primers for Efficient ITS2-based DNA Barcoding Across Plant Taxa
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid and accurate identification of plant species increasingly seeks to employ molecular techniques. The ITS2 region is highly regarded in DNA barcoding due to its short length and ease of sequencing, making it an ideal candidate for species identification. In this study, through meticulous analysis and comparison of primer sequences across a wide range of plant taxa, we curated a collection of primers with demonstrated universality, capable of efficiently amplifying the ITS2 region across diverse plant species. To validate the universality of the identified primers, we employed both in silico and in vitro approaches. In silico analysis involved bioinformatics tools to assess primer binding sites across a vast array of plant DNA sequences available in public databases. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the amplification success of the primers using DNA samples extracted from various plant specimens. Through this comprehensive validation process, we ensured the reliability and applicability of the selected primers for DNA barcoding purposes. The significance of our findings lies in the establishment of a standardized approach for DNA barcoding using the ITS2 region, which facilitates accurate and efficient plant species identification. By providing researchers with a universally applicable set of primers, we aim to streamline the primer selection process, thereby reducing the time and effort involved in experimental design. This standardized protocol promotes consistency and reproducibility in DNA barcoding studies, ultimately advancing our understanding of plant biodiversity and aiding in conservation efforts.
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4403302415