DNA Barcoding Significance and Utilities

Abstract

DNA barcoding is a genetic-based tool and used as an integrated approach with taxonomy for species identification and authentication. In recent years, different genetic and genomic approaches are taken in identifying gene markers for universal applicable DNA barcode in different taxonomic groups and samples. In the postgenomics era, combination of molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics, DNA barcoding, and metabarcoding is giving an opportunity to change the existing use of biodiversity information for basic and practical applications. DNA barcoding projects in different organisms are establishing the reference libraries with known sequences available for open access databases to identify unknown specimens. SOPs in DNA barcoding are important for each species from sampling to analysis by the researchers. DNA barcoding is aiding to catalogue the list of species biodiversity and answer fundamental questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. DNA barcoding can be used by regulatory authorities and have advantages as quality control test. DNA barcoding can also improve quality assurance of industrial products. There is also emerging significance in implementing DNA barcoding in consumer, environmental, health, and agricultural protection.