DNA barcoding the Dioscorea in China, a vital group in the evolution of monocotyledon: use of matK gene for species discrimination.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dioscorea is an important plant genus in terms of food supply and pharmaceutical applications. However, its classification and identification are controversial. DNA barcoding is a recent aid to taxonomic identification and uses a short standardized DNA region to discriminate plant species. In this study, the applicability of three candidate DNA barcodes (rbcL, matK, and psbA-trnH) to identify species within Dioscorea was tested.

Methodology/principal findings

One-hundred and forty-eight individual plant samples of Dioscorea, encompassing 38 species, seven varieties and one subspecies, representing majority species distributed in China of this genus, were collected from its main distributing areas. Samples were assessed by PCR amplification, sequence quality, exten

SUBMITTER: Sun XQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3282793 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature