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AAT Bioquest

What are the disadvantages of DNA barcoding?

Posted June 4, 2024


Answer

Limitations of DNA barcoding

  • Potential for inaccurate results when large amounts of DNA from another species are present or when DNA is degraded
  • Cannot be used to identify hybrid species or species that can hybridize naturally
  • Creating reliable DNA barcodes for plant species has proven to be challenging 
  • Cannot be used to determine the chemical components or plant materials used in processed products
  • Cannot be used to quantify the amount of plant material used in a product
  • Is not enough to determine country of origin in case of illegal wildlife trade even though it can be used for species identification
Additional resources

Benefits and Limitations of DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding in Herbal Product Authentication

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Gelite™ Orange Nucleic Acid Gel Staining Kit

DNA Concentration Calculator