Molecular approach for identification of Labeo bata based on COI gene sequence from Pakistan

Abstract

DNA barcoding is a rapid, precise and effective way of species identification. A short and standard target gene/genetic marker is used to create sequence profile of identified species against unidentified. Specific tag or marker is used, which is derived from mitochondrial COI for identification. Effectiveness of this method axes the degree of divergence among species. Compared to method of visible or external morphology, barcoding is more reliable. Labeo genus constitutes an imperative group of organisms with intense diversification and has a potential viable aquaculture importance in subcontinent. Identification is necessary for their representation. The genetic distances were computed, and neighbourhood-joining tree was constructed based on the Kimura 2 Parameter method. GenBank and BOLD revealed definitive identity matches. Conspecific and congeneric K2P nucleotide divergence was estimated. Evolutionary tree was analysed clearly by relating their species to phylogenetic tree, as same as species were bunched under same tree node, while species were differently clustered under distinct nodes. These finding concluded that the gene sequence may serve as milestone for identification and phylogenetic history of related species at molecular level.