Fundamentals, Molecular Plant Taxonomy: DE

Molecular Plant Taxonomy is the science that recognizes, characterizes and names plant taxa using genetic and molecular data, i.e. DNA, RNA, protein sequence, etc., to clarify their relationship with each other in evolution. It augments or replaces traditional morphological techniques, with superior and more precise implications through the alleviation of the limitations of phenotypic plasticity. Key methods include DNA barcoding, use of certain genetic markers (e.g. rbcL, matK, ITS), and microsatellite analysis, both of which can be included in an integrative taxonomy framework.The taxonomic knowledge of the global flora is still incomplete; otherwise known as the taxonomic impediment, this is a serious impediment to conservation that is all the more devastating as biodiversity enters its sixth extinction crisis. It could be traced to a lack of funding, the lack of taxonomic knowledge, and the lack of communication and coordination to a significant extent. Thus, the latest efforts aimed at breaking these restrictions and predicting the requirements of the taxonomy development are considered.

Pages: 316, Paperback, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing