DNA Barcoding: Promise and Pitfalls
DNA Barcoding: Promise and Pitfalls
Craig Moritz,Carla Cicero
2004 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0020354
PLoS Biology · 1,001 Citations
TLDR
In this issue of PLoS Biology, Hebert et al. have set out to test the resolution and performance of “DNA barcoding,” using a single mtDNA gene, cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), for a sample of North American birds.
Abstract
In this issue of PLoS Biology, Hebert et al. (2004) have set out to test the resolution and performance of “DNA barcoding,” using a single mtDNA gene, cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), for a sample of North American birds. Before turning to details of this study, it is useful as context to consider the following questions: What is DNA barcoding, and what does it promise? What is new about it? Why is it controversial? What are the potential pitfalls?