Efficacy of the 28S rDNA barcode in differentiating Caribbean octocorals
Author Information
Author(s): Sloan R Senofsky, Isabel Zamudio, Brittany Pan, Catherine S McFadden
Primary Institution: Harvey Mudd College
Hypothesis
Is the 28S rDNA barcode more effective than mtMutS in distinguishing Caribbean octocoral species?
Conclusion
The 28S rDNA barcode is more effective at differentiating species in the families Plexauridae and Gorgoniidae compared to mtMutS.
Supporting Evidence
- 28S rDNA sequences were obtained for 93 individuals across 12 genera and 30 species.
- 28S rDNA displayed greater genetic variability between genera compared to mtMutS.
- 28S effectively differentiated 100% of pairwise comparisons in the family Gorgoniidae.
Takeaway
Scientists tested a special DNA marker to see if it could help tell different types of Caribbean corals apart, and it worked better than another marker they tried.
Methodology
Octocorals were sampled using SCUBA, and DNA was extracted and sequenced for both 28S rDNA and mtMutS barcodes.
Limitations
The 28S rDNA barcode was less effective for some species, particularly those in the genus Eunicea.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website