DNA 'Barcode' For Plants

A 'bar code' gene that can be used to distinguish between the majority of plant species on Earth has been identified. This gene, which can be used to identify plants using a small sample, could lead to new ways of easily cataloging different types of plants in species-rich areas like rain forests. It could also lead to accurate methods for identifying plant ingredients in powdered substances, such as in traditional Chinese medicines, and could help to monitor and prevent the illegal transportation of endangered plant species.

The team behind the discovery found that DNA sequences of the gene 'matK' differ among plant species, but are nearly identical in plants of the same species. This means that the matK gene can provide scientists with an easy way of distinguishing between different plants, even closely related species that may look the same to the human eye.The researchers made this discovery by analyzing the DNA from different plant species. They found that when one plant species was closely related to another, differences were usually detected in the matK DNA.

DNA 'Barcode' Identified For Plants