Molecular Markers in Phylogenetic Studies-A Review

Abstract

Uses of molecular markers in the phylogenetic studies of various organisms have become increasingly important in recent times. This review gives an overview of different molecular markers employed by researchers for the purpose of phylogenetic studies. Availability of fast DNA sequencing techniques along with the development of robust statistical analysis methods, provided a new momentum to this field. In this context, utility of different nuclear encoded genes (like 16S rRNA, 5S rRNA, 28S rRNA) mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase, mitochondrial 12S, cytochrome b, control region) and few chloroplast encoded genes (like rbcL, matK, rpl16) are discussed. Criteria for choosing suitable molecular markers and steps leading to the construction of phylogenetic trees have been discussed. Although widely practised even now, traditional morphology based systems of classification of organisms have some limitations. On the other hand it appears that the use of molecular markers, though relatively recent in popularity and are not free entirely of flaws, can complement the traditional morphology based method for phylogenetic studies.