Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
12:01
A PCR-based Genotyping Method to Distinguish Between Wild-type and Ornamental Varieties of Imperata cylindrica
Published on: February 20, 2012
32.2K
Genus-Specific Real-Time PCR and HRM Assays to Distinguish Liriope from Ophiopogon Samples
Eva Masiero1, Dipanwita Banik2,3, John Abson4
1Biomolecular Technology Group, Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK. eva.masiero@dmu.ac.uk.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 27, 2017
Summary
DNA barcoding using the rbcLa gene effectively distinguishes between Liriope and Ophiopogon genera. This molecular approach, combined with PCR and HRM assays, aids in accurate plant identification and quality control of herbal products.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Liriope and Ophiopogon species are morphologically similar, causing taxonomic confusion.
- These genera have significant traditional medicinal and ornamental uses globally.
- Accurate species identification is crucial for both medicinal and commercial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a molecular method for discriminating between Liriope and Ophiopogon genera.
- To investigate the utility of DNA barcoding for resolving taxonomic ambiguities.
- To establish reliable assays for quality assurance of traded plants and herbal drugs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 75 Liriope and Ophiopogon samples from UK National Plant Collections.
- DNA extraction and sequencing of the rbcLa gene barcode region.
- Development of genus-specific PCR and high-resolution melt curve (HRM) assays based on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).
Main Results:
- A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the rbcLa gene reliably differentiates between Liriope and Ophiopogon.
- Developed specific PCR and HRM assays accurately identified the genera.
- The molecular assays proved effective in distinguishing between the two morphologically similar genera.
Conclusions:
- DNA barcoding of the rbcLa gene is a powerful tool for Liriope and Ophiopogon identification.
- The developed PCR-HRM assays offer a simple and efficient method for genus-level discrimination.
- This approach enhances the quality control of herbal medicines and commercially traded plants.
