Molecular species identification with rich floristic sampling: DNA barcoding the pteridophyte flora of Japan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

DNA barcoding is expected to be an effective identification tool for organisms with heteromorphic generations such as pteridophytes, which possess a morphologically simple gametophyte generation. Although a reference data set including complete coverage of the target local flora/fauna is necessary for accurate identification, DNA barcode studies including such rich taxonomic sampling on a countrywide scale are lacking.

Methodology/principal findings

The Japanese pteridophyte flora (733 taxa including subspecies and varieties) was used to test the utility of two plastid DNA barcode regions (rbcL and trnH-psbA) with the intention of developing an identification system for native gametophytes. DNA sequences were obtained from each of 689 (94.0%) taxa for rbcL and 617

SUBMITTER: Ebihara A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2999545 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature