DNA barcodes are short sequences from a standard region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. A simple method of obtaining a DNA barcode is described here.
What does DNA barcoding involve?
1. Extracting DNA from the sample specimen
In most cases, only a small amount of sample material (1–3 mm3 – about the size of a match head) is required for. The way the is extracted depends on the source of the sample material and how old it is.
2. Copying the DNA
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3. Checking the DNA
4. DNA sequencing
The DNA fragments from PCR are cleaned to removesalts or contaminants and then sequenced. This sequence produces a that is specific to the sample specimen. Find out more about
Comparing DNA barcodes
How can we process 100,000 specimens a year?
Technology development is part of DNA barcoding projects. Major DNA barcoding facilities are now processing up to 100,000 specimens a year. These facilities rely on the latest technology in, automation and data analysis to deliver rapid, cost-effective assembly of barcodes.
The International Barcode of Life Project (iBOL), which aims to analyse 5 million specimens over 5 years, is developing technology that can identify species rapidly and inexpensively. Others, like the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL), envisage developing technologies including a hand-held scanner that could assemble DNA barcodes on the spot. Such technology would make barcoding a task that could be performed by any interested person, anywhere, at any time.