DNA BARCODING STRATEGIES IN VARIOUS ORGANISMS, APPLICATIONS IN FOOD SAFETY, DISEASE CONTROL, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

DNA barcoding is a taxonomic technique used to detect the specie and establish phylogenetic relationship with other species. There is a great utility of using the DNA fragment for function as barcode. There is a specific DNA for each specie and by scanning such barcode, we easily identify the specific characteristic of any organism. DNA barcode is universal and different for each species but there is a limitation that still no single gene sequence has been discovered which can be used for each species including animals, plants, bacteria and viruses. Hence, there is the need of using different barcoded for all these different taxonomic groups. Identification of different species (endangered, new, or alien), food safety analysis, disease vector identification, monitoring of water quality and to sustain natural resources are some of important DNA barcoding’s application. DNA barcoding has a huge potential in ecological analysis, biomonitoring, environment protection and biodiversity assessment. DNA barcoding enables to have genetic identification of different food products including crops, processed food, poultry food and fisheries. As DNA through every cell can be detected and identified and it cannot be changed, DNA barcoding make use of these features and make the diagnosis of food products easy. Many molecular techniques used for the detection of barcodes including PCR as well as loop mediated isothermal amplification have made possible the diagnosis and control of various diseases. DNA barcodes are also helpful and efficient in the bio surveillance as well as disease detection in order to monitor and target the damaging pathogens. If the new and efficient sequencing techniques are developed, it will bring revolution in DNA barcoding process as inexpensive and faster analysis will be performed.