Species Identification of Sea Bamboo (Isis hippuris) Using COI-based DNA Barcoding

Conservation and effective management of marine ecosystems and biodiversity requires accurate species identification. This study classifies sea bamboo (Isis hippuris) specimens using DNA barcoding, a technique widely recognized for its speed, accuracy, and objectivity. This study examines the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene analysis for species identification. Isis hippuris was collected from two stations (coral and seagrass areas) of Tanjung Tiram Waters, South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Genomic DNA was extracted from the base, main, and lateral stem of I. hippuris. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the mtDNA of I. hippuris with HCO2198 and LCO1490 primers. The highest quality PCR product based on the COI gene was chosen for sequencing analysis. The study revealed that COI gene analysis could only be performed on the base and main stem of the I. hippuris. Samples from coral and seagrass-coral areas on lateral stems were not further analyzed due to low concentration and purity values, which could potentially fail DNA sequencing. Each part of I. hippuris may have unique genetic differences. This study highlights the advantages of DNA sequencing in providing a unique genetic fingerprint for each species, enabling accurate species identification. This research provides insight into using DNA barcoding for sea bamboo species identification.