title: Services of DNA barcoding in different fields.
abstract: DNA barcoding is a new master key for species identification and has greatly accelerated the pace of species discovery. In this novel and cost-effective technique, a short DNA sequence from a standard region of mitochondrial "CO1" gene called "barcode" is used. At present, researchers all over the world are utilizing this powerful tool for investigating biodiversity, differentiating cryptic species, testing food authenticity, identifying parasites, vectors, insect pests, and predators, monitoring of illegal trade of animals and their products, and identifying forensically important insects. In addition, this technique can potentially be used to monitor quality of drinking water, quickly identify the indicator species of lakes, rivers, and streams, identify species with harmful attributes or medicinal properties, monitor smuggling of endangered plants and animals and their products, and disease investigations. Despite non-favorable criticism from a few researchers, DNA barcoding has achieved immense popularity in the scientific community, especially among biologists. The present review provides an overview of DNA barcoding and its practical applications. The limitation, future prospective and main informative platforms for DNA barcoding have also been discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Zoology , University of Sargodha , Sargodha , Pakistan.
authors.forename: Hafiz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Muhammad Tahir
authors.affiliation: a Department of Zoology , University of Sargodha , Sargodha , Pakistan.
authors.forename: Samreen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhtar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000469:parasitology; D058893:DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / Q000379:methods*; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D056727:Endangered Species; D005516:Food Microbiology; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV
keywords: CO1 gene; DNA barcoding; illegal trade monitoring; taxonomy