DNA 'barcode' identified for plants
Date: 7.2.2008
A "barcode" gene that can be used to distinguish between plant species has been identified.
This gene, which can be used **to identify plants using a small sample**, could lead to new ways of easily cataloguing different types of plants in species-rich areas like rainforests. It could also lead to accurate methods for identifying plant ingredients in powdered substances, such as in **traditional Chinese medicines**, and could help to monitor and prevent the illegal transportation of endangered plant species.
The team behind the discovery found that DNA sequences of the **gene 'matK'** differ among plant species, but are nearly identical in plants of the same species. This means that the matK gene can provide scientists with an easy way of distinguishing between different plants, even closely related species that may look the same to the human eye.
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