'Barcode' of plants mapped
Scientists could use the barcode to identify plant species
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Tuesday, 05, Feb 2008 04:31
Scientists have identified a 'barcode' gene that can be used to distinguish between the majority of plant species on Earth.
They say the gene could lead to new ways of easily cataloguing different types of plants in species-rich areas like rainforests.
It could also help to protect the world's plants as they argue that it may lead to accurate methods for identifying plant ingredients in powdered substances, such as traditional Chinese medicines, and to help monitor and prevent the illegal transportation of endangered plant species.
The researchers found that DNA sequences of the gene matK differ among plant species but are nearly identical in plants of the same species.
As such scientists can use the gene to distinguish between different plants, even closely related species.
The discovery was made by researchers studying plant species in Costa Rica and South Africa.
Lead researcher Dr Vincent Savolainen said the long-term aim is to build on the genetic information gathered from these studies to create a genetic database of the matK DNA of as many plant species as possible.
"In the future we'd like to see this idea of reading plants' genetic barcodes translated into a portable device that can be taken into any environment, which can quickly and easily analyse any plant sample's matK DNA and compare it to a vast database of information, allowing almost instantaneous identification," he added.
Commenting on the potential for the gene barcode to identify plant species at ports and airports, biodiversity minister Joan Ruddock said: "This is a great breakthrough that could save many endangered plants.
"I congratulate everyone involved in this project which could have huge benefits for plant identification and conservation in the future."