Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:
- Assess the age of a plant or animal.
- Distinguish among species that look alike.
- Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It is a long, thin molecule that carries our genetic code and is coiled up tightly inside the nucleus of every cell in our body. DNA barcoding is a method of specimen identification using short, standardized segments of DNA. Every species has its own barcode, just as every person has their own fingerprint. These DNA barcodes can be compared to a reference library to provide an ID.
- DNA barcoding involves analyzing a specific region of DNA to identify species, but it does not provide information about the age of an individual organism.
Statement 2 is correct
- DNA barcoding is a powerful tool used to distinguish between species that are morphologically similar (i.e., species that look alike). It works by comparing the DNA sequence of the barcode region between species. Even closely related species often have distinct barcode sequences, allowing them to be accurately differentiated. This method is particularly useful in identifying cryptic species—species that are genetically distinct but visually indistinguishable.
Statement 3 is correct
- DNA barcoding can be used in the food industry to verify the authenticity of ingredients and to detect contamination or adulteration by undesirable species. For instance, it can identify specific plant or animal materials that are not supposed to be in a processed food product, ensuring the safety and integrity of the food supply.
