DNA Barcoding Projects at Bowie State University (BSU), USA and Godfrey Okoye University (GOU), Nigeria

DNA barcode projects were introduced into the existing biology curricula at BSU and GOU for the purpose of enhancing hands-on laboratory experience and undergraduate research for students. These projects merged biochemistry, bioinformatics, evolution, and ecology. The BSU Biol 303 (Molecular Biology) class of spring 2013 used DNA barcoding to investigate products purchased in local grocery stores. Pork and mutton contaminants were found in three of the four ground beef meats sampled. An oat-based breakfast cereal contained rice bran that was not listed as an ingredient. DNA barcoding was introduced to GOU through a project titled "DNA Barcoding of Species of Eastern Nigeria." For the kick-off of this project we organized a workshop in January 2013 to which faculty from Nigerian universities and students from GOU were invited. The workshop participants sequenced DNA from 47 plant, animal, and fungal species collected from a local estate – including 34 indigenous and introduced plants. Samples were analyzed using the Blue Line of DNA Subway, an intuitive interface for genome informatics developed by the iPlant Collaborative. DNA barcode sequences were automatically uploaded into the workflow, which includes both sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree-building tools. Thirty-two (68%) of the Nigerian samples provided high quality sequences for the rbcL, COI, or ITS barcode regions. Of these, 31% were new GenBank entries; 19% showed new sequence polymorphisms for existing records, and 13% needed further taxonomic identification. Overall, we noticed an increase in biotechnology research skills and desire for further research opportunities among students. Two Nigerian students used DNA barcoding for their senior research projects.