COI Gene Sequencing Services in India
Animal DNA Barcoding & Species Identification. The ~650bp region of the COI gene provides reliable, high-resolution species identification. We offer fast, accurate COI Gene Sequencing using gold-standard Sanger Sequencing.
What is COI Gene Sequencing?
The Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is a mitochondrial gene that is highly conserved across animal life but varies significantly between species. This makes it an ideal molecular clock for identifying animals, even from small or degraded tissue samples.
At Yaazh Xenomics, we offer end-to-end COI gene sequencing, ensuring reliable results even from challenging samples like degraded tissues or processed foods.
Key Benefits of COI Sequencing
Unmatched Data Quality: High Phred scores ensuring base calling accuracy >99%.
High Success Rate: We optimize DNA extraction protocols for difficult samples.
Fast Turnaround Time: Standard: 7-10 days. Expedited: 3-5 days (on request).
Cost-Effective Packages: Competitive pricing with bulk discounts available.
End-to-End Service: From DNA extraction to bioinformatics.
How Yaazh Xenomics Approaches COI Sequencing
The universal COI primers are highly effective for amplifying the COI gene region.
We extract DNA from a variety of tissue types with maximum yield, even from old or processed samples, to amplify the COI region.
The PCR amplification produces high copies of the target DNA sequence.
The resulting amplicons are sequenced using ABI 3500/3730xl sequencers.
DNA sequences help identify structural variations, base substitutions, and SNPs between related species.
The DNA sequence variations are cross-referenced with global databases (BOLD) to correctly identify the exact species.
Workflow / Steps
Sample Receipt & Preparation
Tissue (muscle, fin, tail), blood, hair, feathers, or processed food products. DNA extraction using optimized kits for high yield and purity.
PCR Amplification
Universal primers (LCO1490 & HCO2198) are routinely used. For challenging samples, specific primers are designed. Gel verification of the ~658 bp amplicon.
Purification & Sequencing
Post-PCR clean-up using ExoSAP-IT followed by BigDye Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing on ABI 3730xl/3500 platforms.
Bioinformatics Analysis
Sequence trimming, assembly (Phred > Q20), BLAST against GenBank/BOLD, and Phylogenetic tree construction with bootstrap support.
Deliverables
Raw .ab1 chromatograms, clean FASTA sequences, BLAST summary, Phylogenetic trees (Newick/PDF), and publication-ready methodology.
Contamination Control & Quality Assurance
- Strict clean-room protocols during DNA extraction.
- Negative controls included in every PCR batch to monitor kitome/reagent contamination.
- Positive controls (standard DNA) run in parallel.
- Bidirectional sequencing to ensure high-confidence base calling.
Pros & Cons of COI Gene Sequencing
Advantages
- ✓ Universal barcode for identifying nearly all animal life.
- ✓ Large, highly curated reference databases (BOLD, GenBank).
- ✓ Excellent for species authentication in processed or degraded samples.
- ✓ Cost-effective and rapid compared to genome sequencing.
Limitations
- ✗ May not resolve very closely related species or hybrids (due to maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA).
- ✗ Ineffective for identifying plants or fungi (use rbcL/matK or ITS instead).
- ✗ Relies heavily on the accuracy of public databases for matching.
Applications of COI Gene Sequencing
- •Animal taxonomy and discovering cryptic species.
- •Forensics and tracing illegal wildlife trade.
- •Food authentication (detecting mislabeled meat/seafood).
- •Biodiversity monitoring and environmental studies.
- •Pest management in agriculture and forestry.
- •Validating commercial animal cell lines.
Get Started with COI Gene Sequencing in India
Ready to accurately identify animal species? Yaazh Xenomics provides fast and reliable COI gene sequencing services.