Plant DNA Barcoding
For land plants the core DNA barcode markers are two sections of coding regions within the chloroplast, part of the genes, rbcL and matK. In
order to create high quality databases, each plant that is DNA barcoded needs to have a herbarium voucher that accompanies the rbcL and matK DNA sequences.
Documenting Flowering Plants of Rwanda through DNA-sequencing from ex-situ collections
Many plant species in Rwanda are endangered due to habitat loss and climate change. Sequencing their DNA will allow researchers to identify genetic markers essential for future conservation efforts. Understanding the genetic diversity within populations helps design targeted conservation strategies to preserve threatened species. Small 1-2 grams of dried leaf samples will be processed for DNA sequencing. Plant herbarium specimens will be stored at the National Herbarium of Rwanda in herbarium cabinetry along with genomic tissue samples in a standard laboratory freezer.
Lessons:
1: What is Bento Lab? – Explained in 60 seconds
2. Plant DNA barcoding Introduction (14 min.)
3. Plant DNA sequencing
4. Is this a rare mushroom? DNA Barcoding Part 1: DNA Extractions + PCR
5: What I learned from doing molecular biology from home
