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COI (Cytochrome C Oxidase I)

Definition

A mitochondrial gene encoding subunit I of the respiratory enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. Its intermediate evolutionary rate makes it the primary barcode marker for animals; the standard forensic amplicon spans approximately 658 base pairs.

Related terms

BOLD
Barcode of Life Data System, an international curated database linking COI sequences to verified voucher specimens with collection locality and taxonomic annotation....
Cytochrome B (Cytb)
A protein-coding gene in the mitochondrial genome used widely for vertebrate species identification. Its moderate mutation rate resolves most closely related species...
DNA Barcoding
Species identification using a short, standardised region of the mitochondrial genome. For animals, the primary barcode marker is a 648-base-pair segment of...
Morphological Identification
Species determination based on external or internal physical features. Reliable and cheap for adults and many late-instar larvae, but fails on early...
Species Complex
A group of closely related species that are nearly identical in morphology but behaviourally or ecologically distinct. Molecular methods are often the...

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