Cyt-B Barcoding
Definition
PCR amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. The standard marker for species identification of mammals from skin, hair, bone or meat.
- Gene target
- Mitochondrial cytochrome-b
- Method
- PCR amplification and sequencing
- Use
- Mammal species identification
- Sample types
- Skin, hair, bone, meat
Common questions
Why is a mitochondrial gene preferred over a nuclear gene for wildlife species identification?+
Mitochondrial DNA is present in far more copies per cell than nuclear DNA, which makes it easier to amplify from the degraded, trace, or processed samples typical of wildlife seizures such as cooked meat or old hide.
Can cyt-b barcoding distinguish between two closely related species?+
It generally can, since cytochrome-b accumulates enough sequence variation between species to separate them, though very recently diverged species pairs can require a second marker or additional analysis to resolve confidently.
Related terms
- CCMB LaCONES
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. CSIR institute that handles DNA-based species...
- CITES Appendices I/II/III
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Appendix I: no commercial international trade (tiger, Indian rhino). Appendix II: trade regulated by permit....
- COI Barcoding
- DNA-based species identification using a standard 658 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Sequences are matched against reference...
- NTCA
- National Tiger Conservation Authority. Statutory body under WLPA (2006 amendment) that administers Project Tiger and the network of 50-plus tiger reserves.
- Schedules I to VI (Pre-2022) / I to IV (Post-2022)
- Lists appended to the WLPA that classify species by level of protection. Schedule I species (tiger, rhino, pangolin, snow leopard) receive absolute...
- WCCB
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Statutory multi-disciplinary body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), created by the 2006 amendment...
- WII Dehradun
- Wildlife Institute of India. Autonomous MoEFCC institution. Houses the Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, the country's central wildlife forensic facility. Maintains...
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WLPA)
- Central Indian statute that regulates protection of wild animals, birds and plants. Provides for Schedules of species, sanctuaries, national parks, the WCCB...