2022 · Science & TechnologyPrevious Year Question
Q99.
Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to: 1. assess the age of a plant or animal. 2. distinguish among species that look alike. 3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 2
D. 2 and 3
Answer

D

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: DNA barcoding is NOT known to be used for the assessment of age of living organisms. Statement 2 is correct: DNA barcoding allows efficient identification of species and has been used to distinguish among species in Lepidoptera families (butterflies and moths) that look alike. Statement 3 is correct: DNA barcoding is broadly applied in food authentication — it has been used to explore composition of roasted barley tea to detect undesirable plant components and in seafood to prevent mislabeling.