Application of cytochrome b DNA sequences for the authentication of endangered snake species.
In order to enforce the conservation program and curbing the illegal trading and consumption of endangered snake species, the value of cytochrome b sequence in the authentication of snake species was evaluated. As an illustration, DNA was extracted, selected cytochrome b DNA sequences amplified and sequenced from six snakes commonly consumed in Hong Kong. Cataloging with sequences available in public, a cytochrome b database containing 90 species of snakes was constructed. In this database, sequence homology between snakes ranged from 70.68 to 95.11%. On the other hand, intraspecific variation of three tested snakes was 0-0.98%. Using the database, we were able to determine the identity of six meat samples confiscated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HKSAR.
Wong
Ka-Lok
KL
Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
Wang
Jun
J
But
Paul Pui-Hay
PP
Shaw
Pang-Chui
PC
D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D045303:Cytochromes b / Q000235:genetics*; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006723:Hong Kong; D038622:Internationality; D010802:Phylogeny; D012911:Snakes / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D013045:Species Specificity
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D045303:Cytochromes b