Cyt-B PCR
Definition
Amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. The reference marker for species identification in degraded and trace samples.
- Gene target
- Mitochondrial cytochrome-b
- Use
- Species identification of blood and body fluids
- Advantage
- Works on degraded and trace samples
- Method
- PCR amplification followed by sequencing
Common questions
How does cyt-b PCR determine species from a dried bloodstain when no visible tissue remains?+
The mitochondrial DNA present in the residual blood cells is amplified using primers that target a conserved region of the cytochrome-b gene, and the resulting sequence is compared to reference databases to identify the species of origin.
Is cyt-b PCR used to identify individual animals or only their species?+
It identifies species, not individuals, because cytochrome-b sequence variation within a species is generally too limited for individual discrimination, which instead requires nuclear STR or other individualising markers.
Related terms
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- COI Barcoding
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- Immunoelectrophoresis
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- Precipitin Reaction
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