The Use of DNA Barcodes

THE USE OF DNA BARCODES

In this very interesting scientific article, authors Paul D. Hebert, Mark Y. Stoeckle, Tyler S. Zemlak and Charles M. Francis discuss in-depth the process by which they have identified birds through their DNA barcodes, derived from "short DNA sequences from a standardized region of the genome." Certainly, this highly-complex process is far superior to the old methods used to identify bird species, due to the fact that by putting together what the authors call a public library of DNA barcodes, this would "provide a new master key for identifying species, one whose power will rise with increased taxon coverage and with faster, cheaper" DNA sequencing." What is most exciting about this new process is that these DNA barcodes allow researchers and scientists to expertly determine the differences between closely-related bird species, such as a hawk and an eagle, which ultimately may provide researchers with the genetic link to prove that birds have truly evolved from lower and similar bird species from the long distant past. In addition, this process will enable scientists to accurately determine how a particular bird species like a sparrow is genetically similar to and/or different from a finch or perhaps a canary. Furthermore, the authors point out that this DNA process know as COI barcoding can also be applied to insects and other arthropods and that it will also help with identifying food remnants found in the stomachs of predatory birds. Thus, when a library of DNA barcodes is finally created, it will become a very effective system and perhaps even serve as the "new master key to the encyclopedia of life" which could potentially create "widespread scientific and practical benefits" for human society. BIBLIOGRAPHY Hebert, Paul D.N., Stoeckle, Mark Y., Zemlak, Tyler S. and Charles M. Francis. "Identification of Birds Through DNA Barcodes." PLOS Biology. October 2004. Vol. 2 issue 10: 1657- 1664.