Abstract

DNA barcoding: Importance in fisheries research and food safety

Author(s): Vivek R.Vartak, N.Rajendran, Wazir S.Lakra

DNA barcoding gives an impression of being linked to the electronic barcoding but differ a lot in the process involved in identification. In electronic barcoding the handheld scanner “Star Trek tricorder” scans the specific product with barcodes printed on it for its identification. However inDNA barcoding we require DNA fromthe target life formand identification is carried out withmolecular protocol. DNA barcoding have demonstrated effectiveness in recognition of wide range of taxonomic groups. This technique also received suggestions and reproach. The solution for the accuracy in the saidmodern tool lies in the proper sampling and data analysis. The traditional taxonomy is practical way of discriminating the good form of live or dead fish but not useful for identification of unknown, processed or mixed food samples. For such identifications wemust take the help ofmodern tools inmolecular biology to go ahead with the identification in shorter time. DNAbarcoding perhaps is the modern tool which could serve the purpose. We discuss about the DNA barcoding in food safety and fisheries research with the value of classical taxonomy.