Part 2: Key Molecular Markers in Taxonomy

Molecular taxonomists rely on standardized DNA regions known as "markers" to identify species.

Common Markers:

• COI (Cytochrome c oxidase I): Most used for animals (DNA barcoding)

• rbcL and matK: Widely used in plants

• ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer): Fungi and some plants

• 16S rRNA / 18S rRNA: Microbial and broader eukaryotic studies

These markers are selected based on:

• Ease of amplification (PCR)

• Level of variability (for resolving species)

• Availability in public databases