Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-105).

published_or_final_version / Zoology / Master / Master of Philosophy

DNA fingerprinting was applied for the molecular elucidation of taxonomic relationships within a genus of orchids which have previously been based on morphological characteristics. Phragmipediwn consists of 15-20 species native to Central and South America. This research project included two studies. In the first study DNA was isolated from 11 samples (including two unidentified ones). These individuals, which were mostly hybrids, were found in the Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank at Ball State University. In order to position Phragmipediwn within the orchid family fingerprinting was also performed on individuals in the sister taxa, Cypripedium and Paphiopedium, which are members of the same subfamily, and on a member of the outgroup taxon Vanda. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to yield fingerprints resulting from the use of random primers. Fifty nine random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) bands were obtained using 5 different primers to yield 107 polymorphic bands. As many as 75% of genetic loci were found to be shared between hybrids that resulted from a cross of more than one individual in the same section. However the percentage dropped to 35-65 % when only one parent was shared in the cross. Furthermore, the sister group taxa Cypripedium and Paphilopedium shared from 12 % -35 % of their polymorphic loci with the members of the genus Phragmipedium. The outgroup taxon Vanda shared 17% of its polymorphic loci with the rest of the samples.In a second study DNA was isolated from one member of each of the five sections of the genus Phragmipedium, and RAPD-PCR fingerprinting was used to compare their genetic similarities to that of the two sister taxa and the outgroup taxon. It was found that individuals in different genera shared 25% or less of their polymorphic bands. Between sections of the same genus 20-50% of genetic loci were shared. Two sections, Platypetalwn and Phragmipedium showed the highest degree of genetic relatedness (41-53%). Again the outgoup taxon shared less than 20% Phragmipediwn samples on the phenograms produced but the percentage was again insignificant. However, genetic analyses of the members of the section Lorifolia gave conflicting results: 46% genetic identity was observed in the first trial and 20% in the second.In conclusion, RAPD-PCR fingerprinting results appeared to be effective in the positioning of sections within a genus indicating the degree of similarity of closely related taxa. Also RAPD-PCR was able to place an unknown individual within a specific section of the genus. However, it could not be employed to determine the identity of unknown species due to the high degree of genetic diversity observed between even closely related individuals. / Department of Biology

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Thesis (M. Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-111). Also available in electronic version. Access restricted to campus users.

A concern in transgenic crops is the potential risk posed by unintended effects which could result from genetic transformation. The objective of this work was to develop an untargeted approach that could characterize transgenic crops, as well as conventional crops, at the molecular level. An experimental approach was designed and used to compare conventional and transgenic soybean varieties. Varieties were compared using their metabolite fingerprints obtained by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and both the analytical and biological variability were assessed. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were applied to the data to detect significant differences between the varieties. It was found that transgenic variety PS 46 RR was the most different variety analyzed and that it differed most from Mandarin (Ottawa) and AC Dundas. The statistical analyses also determined that PS 46 RR differed more from the conventional varieties tested than 2601R did.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, August 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

M.Sc. (Botany) / Global efforts to protect the world’s forests from unsustainable and inequitable exploitation have been undermined in recent years by rampant illegal logging in many timber-producing countries. A prerequisite for efficient control and seizure of illegally harvested forest product is a rapid, accurate and tamper proof method of species identification. DNA barcoding is one such a tool, relatively simple to apply. It is acknowledged to bring about accuracy and efficiency in species identification. In this study a DNA barcode reference library for traded and protected tree species of southern Africa was developed comprising of 81 species and 48 genera. Four primary analyses were conducted to assess the suitability of the core barcodes as a species identification tool using the R package Spider 1.2-0. Lastly, to evaluate this identification tool, query specimens independently sampled at a Mozambican logging concession were identified using DNA barcoding techniques. The nearest neighbour (k-NN) and best close match (BCM) distance based parameter yielded 90% and 85% identification success rate using the core plant barcodes respectively. DNA barcoding identification of query specimens maintained a constant 83% accuracy over the single marker dataset and the combined dataset. This database can serve as a backbone to a control mechanism based on DNA techniques for species identification and also advance the ability of relevant authorities to rapidly identify species of timber at entry and exit points between countries with simple, fast, and accurate DNA techniques.