Limitations of 18S rDNA Sequence in Species-Level Classification of Dictyostelids.

ABSTRACT: Dictyostelid species classification has traditionally relied on morphology, a time-intensive method requiring expert knowledge. This study evaluated the potential and limitations of using the 18S rDNA sequence for species-level classification. 18S rDNA sequences of 16 samples from the Dicty stock center, including 14 samples found in Thailand, were analyzed. Signature sequence analyses confirmed genus-level identification with high accuracy. These sequences were analyzed alongside 309 database entries retrieved from the GenBank database. The analyses confirmed genus-level identification accuracy but highlighted challenges in distinguishing species due to overlapping intraspecific and interspecific variations, negative barcoding gaps, and incorrectly grouped samples to putative taxa by spec

SUBMITTER: Chittavichai T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11857562 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature